New Abuakwa North MP sworn in; MPs urged to enhance security
As the nation prepares for the general elections in November, the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, has urged members of Parliament to take adequate measures to enhance their personal security.
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Citing the gruesome murder of the former member for Abuakwa North, Mr Joseph Boakye -Danquah Adu and the recent attack on the member for Okere, Mr Dan Kwaku Botwe, at his home about a fortnight ago, he said leadership was concerned about the attacks and had made moves to protect individual members.
But until then, he said, every member was under an obligation to take necessary security precautions in their homes.
Mr Adjaho stated this when he welcomed members back to the House after an eight week holiday.
The House has reconvened for the second sitting of the fourth session of the sixth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.
Attendance on the first day of the meeting , which is expected to last for about nine weeks, was impressive.
The newly elected member for Abuakwa North, Mrs Gifty Twum-Ampofo, was sworn in as MP.
Speaker's advice
"Honourable members, leadership is extremely concerned about the recent spate of attacks on members of this august House," he said and expressed gratitude to God that in the case of Mr Botwe, no lives were lost.
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"We have made the necessary representation to the security agencies and they are handling the situation. The leadership would take the necessary and reasonable additional steps to protect and secure its members and staff.
I urge members to take all necessary security precautions in their respective homes while the matter is being addressed, " he said.
Other matters
Mr Adjaho reminded members that this year being an election year, the time available to members to conduct parliamentary business was limited.
In spite of the limited time, he said, the work load was huge.
He, therefore, urged them to be punctual and treat the business in the House with seriousness.
He said the House needed to give priority to the Right to Information Bill, 2013 which is at the consideration stage and urged the leadership of the Majority to ensure that ministers of state scheduled to appear before the House to answer questions did so promptly.
Business for this meeting.
Twenty nine bills are expected to be considered by the House during this meeting.
They include the Ghana School of Law Bill, 2016; Legal Service Bill, 2016; Road Safety Bill, 2016; Electronic Communication (Amendment) Bill; the Right to Information Bill, 2013; the Plant Breeders Bill, 2013.
There are fourteen instruments expected to be presented at this meeting and 10 motions tabled for debate.