The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has cautioned the leadership of both Majority and Minority groups in Parliament to desist from unduly delaying works of some Committees of Parliament.
According to him, the development had stalled a number of parliamentary businesses and made it difficult for the House to perform its oversight role.
“While it is the duty of all committees, to give the matters referred to its due and sufficient consideration, such consideration should not be the expense of the delaying Parliamentary work. We must be guided at all times, that our commitment to our democracy means we are doing diligent work in a manner that is efficient and timely.
“Admittedly, the Constitution does not provide a time frame within which a committee must complete its work except in instances of a bill introduced by or on behalf of the President. Under these circumstances, Article 106(14) of the Constitution requires that, such a bill must not be delayed for more than three months in any Committee of Parliament.,” he explained.
The Speaker gave the caution when he delivered a formal communication to the House during proceedings in the chamber on Tuesday.
Mr. Bagbin further bemoaned the absence of committee minutes at the conclusion of deliberations and charged committee Clerks to be guided by Order 212(2) of the Standing Orders of parliament.
“Members in light of the foregoing, all Parliamentary Committees are reminded that they are required under law to provide a report on a matter referred to them before the expiry of a session of the House and same must be complied with unless leave has been sought and granted by the House.
“The leadership of the committees, committee clerks and the leadership of the House are tasked with ensuring that the various committees comply with the reporting timelines to facilitate the smooth conduct of business in the House,” Mr. Bagbin added.
He warned that Cluster heads of the committee groupings will be held directly responsible for absence of minutes and same he added will be treated as dereliction of duty.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5/Isaac Dzidzoamenu
