The Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome Kwabenya Sara Adwoa Safo has questioned the part of the National Pledge which references “our forefathers” indicating its gender bias.
The MP suggested “foremothers” be included to cater for women. The speaker however indicated the wording is from the constitution thus a change might require an amendment.
Some of the new changes in the new standing orders are the creation of Economic Planning Committees from the finance committee.
Members of Parliament will henceforth have their roll call taken by the speaker each morning before sitting commences. This is according to the new standing orders approved by the house last year.
The MPs are also required to recite the National Pledge at the beginning of every sitting week.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin commenced implementation of the new standing orders today when sitting reconvened.
Some members of Parliament however had questions for the speaker about the optical implications of having to be marked absent in the plenary even when present at committee meetings. Wa West MP Peter Toobu for instance asked how that could be cured.
Other MPs including Asawase MP Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak however hailed the initiative arguing it would ensure punctuality. Reacting to the concerns the speaker explained the roll call is to ensure speakers presiding are better informed about quorum requirements.
He however indicated an electronic clocking system will subsequently be introduced to replace the manual roll call.
The Defence and Interior Committee has equally been split. Parliament through the new standing orders has been empowered to summon heads of institutions and agencies without having to go through sector ministers as had existed under the old regime.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Ibrahim Alhassan
