By Eugene Davis
President Nana Akufo-Addo has assured Parliament of his government’s commitment to work its way out of the challenges currently confronting the nation.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Chief of Staff, Madam Akosua Frema Opare, during the launch of Parliament of Ghana’s 30th Anniversary in Accra, said “Even though we are presently confronted with difficulties, I do not doubt our collective resolve to work our way out of these challenges, and put our nation onto the path of progress and prosperity.
Let us work to create the platform for the evolution of a new Ghanaian civilisation, which will give true meaning to the foundational values of freedom and justice on which our nation was birthed.”
The president added that government will not give up when it comes to deepening democracy and guaranteeing the integrity of the electoral process, and urged the citizenry not to.
“We do not have to look far back into history to ‘see that stable period of constitutional government and intelligent management of the economy leads to prosperity. We must do everything within our means to safeguard our democracy.”
He also promised to strengthen parliament in order to consolidate the democratic gains, saying “It is for the good of the country that Parliament continues to develop the capacity to insist on accountability in all aspects of our lives, and no institution is better suited for this than the representatives of the people.
“As President of the Republic, I assure you that, out of duty to our children and grandchildren, and to generations yet unborn, my government will do everything it can to help strengthen Parliament.”
Majority Leader,Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stated that the country needs a constitutional order which will put a cap on the number of ministers appointed.
“We need a new constitutional order that will prevent the constant increase in the numbers of the seats in Parliament. We need a new constitutional order that will put a cap in the numbers of Ministers of State, etc. A new order that will ensure that the Speaker of the Parliament is a serving member of Parliament and that the Parliament of Ghana does not remain as one of only 9 Parliaments in the world whose Speakers are not Members of Parliament.
We need a new constitutional order that will accord Parliament the financial independence that is required to enable Parliament stand on its own feet; a new constitutional arrangement that will liberate Parliament to perform its legislative functions without impediments, intended or unintended.”
Minority Leader. Dr. Ato Forson indicated that nobody can benefit when the economy collapses.
He also maintained that there is a good reason for which the laws changed the designation from “Opposition” to “Minority”.
“Both sides have a stake in ensuring good governance in the country for the common good of our people. We are in this business of governance together. The people we represent expect more from us and we cannot afford to fail them.
