The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Joseph Osei-Owusu has sounded word of caution to the students Parliament of the Koforidua Technical University to be political only in their discussions, and not partisan since the students Parliament is not an elected Parliament and does represent any constituency.

He, however, urged them to strive and be loyal to their country, but should ensure that integrity precedes everything they do.

“Strive to be loyal to your country, be smart, intelligence, and above all, you need integrity, let your integrity be your guide, let me also sound a caution; you are allowed to be political in your discussions and not partisan, since this is not an elected Parliament, you don’t represent anybody, you have voluntarily offered to participate in the process, you don’t represent any halls, houses or constituencies.

“Yes, you can be political which means looking at things from different sides, but not to be TESCON, TAIN or any other. You are just students who desire to debate national issues or offer solutions from the students point of view”. He advised.

The 1st Deputy Speaker made this passionate appeal during the inauguration ceremony of the Koforidua Technical University Parliament on Saturday.

Speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu also advised the students to find the formation of the Students’ Parliament, as a call for them to get on board and join the various efforts in national development.

“All of us have a responsibility to protect our Parliamentary democracy and we owe it to posterity to discharge this duty faithfully and conscientiously”. He indicated.

He also encouraged the students to take their education seriously as they prepare to assume the mantle of leadership.

According to him, it is important for the students to adequately prepare themselves in readiness for future roles.

He urged the student Parliamentarians to master their mock on Parliament process which is a preparation ground for greater responsibilities in future, adding that, Twenty five (25) years of uninterrupted Parliamentary democracy, Ghana’s democracy has come of age.

Mr. Kwame Ansah, the Principal Public Relations Officer of the Parliament of Ghana, also indicated that, the establishment of these students parliament will help influence governance in these universities.

He also explained that, views that are expressed out of these students’ parliamentary sittings can be put together in a memorandum that can be submitted to Parliament or the Committee of Education, which can also form part of legislation.

Mr. Ansah also encouraged the students to support the initiative and join the association in their numbers for it to be vibrant.

The Parliament of Ghana has over the years established Students’ Parliament in the various tertiary institutions, both public and private across the country to strengthen Parliamentary process, as well as deepen democratic processes.

Following the launch of the Students’ Parliament, there was a mock Parliament displayed by the students who debated on the theme; ‘National Insecurity in the country’.

Story: Richmond Adu Dwamena

 

Exclusively Newslinegh