The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Rt. Hon Michael Aaron Oquaye has chided Members of the House to prove that they are worthy of their hire by being punctual especially being on time.

He said members are paid, and more so, they would be remunerated for overtime, they should make it a point to start business on time.

He revealed that matters involving the affairs of Members were discussed during the last board meeting, where he personally recommended that proper meal should be served Members during business, instead of the usual pastries in view of the time Members close, and modalities are being worked out to begin same, “while Members continue to do proper work for Ghana”.

In view of these, “let us show that we are worthy of our hire”. He added.

It would be recalled that, punctuality has become a recurring problem as far as the 7th Parliament is concerned with the Speaker having to adjourn the House a couple of times due to lack of quorum.

This was occassioned after the Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu had announced to the House that, the House would have extended sitting in the course of business for the week.

Earlier, Kwame Governs Agbodza, Member for the Adaklu Constituency raised issues with Member’s welfare, including a possible refund of monies they pay to their Special Assistants, which monies should have been paid by the House.

He further expressed worry about the issue of having to have extended sitting when Members fail to report to duty early, calling it “unfair”, especially when they would be paid for extra hours sat.

Alexander Afenyo Markin Concern for Local Printing Press

Meanwhile the Member of Parliament for Efutu Constituency, Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin has called for an incentive to the local printing press industry following the ban of nine (9) drugs in the pharmaceutical industry by the Ministries of Interior and Trade.

He argued that, it would be sad that pharmaceutical industries would enjoy incentives whilst local printing press industries are sidelined.

“All I want is to draw the attention of the business committee through the Leader on the assurances given by the Trade Minister as to steps being taken to help the local printing press”. He added.

It would be recalled that, somewhere in May, the government through the two Ministries restricted some forty nine (49) drugs by way of importation, with the rational of allowing local industries to produce them.

He added that, the time is long overdue for government to come to the aid of the local printing press industry to prevent total collapse, adding that “we want the printing press which have the capacity to expand to do so”.

Story: Frederick E. Aggrey

 

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