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Bagbin tells MPs to earn the title 'Honourable'

By MyJoyOnline
Politics Bagbin tells MPs to earn the title 'Honourable'
OCT 1, 2014 LISTEN

Newly sworn-in Majority Leader of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, says parliamentarians need to work hard to earn the respect of the people they represent in the House.

He is concerned about the seeming lack of rules governing activities in the house, which he noted, has also become a concern to some MPs.

Addressing the House at an emergency sitting Wednesday, October 1, the Nadowli-Kaleo MP in the Upper West Region hinted that Members of Parliament will soon be compelled to conform to a code of conduct in the discharge of their duties.

Mr.  Alban Bagbin wants the MPs to give meaning to the title “Honorable” and he is hopeful the adoption of a code of conduct to be placed before the house will regulate activities and conduct of members.

“What is most important and compelling is for this house to continue not only to serve the people of Ghana but to exhibit good leadership…My colleagues have expressed serious concerns about the lack of rules and regulations clearly detailing the conduct of members of parliament,” he noted.

He said he will work closely with the Minority to ensure that “the term 'Honourable' is clearly earned”.

He also promised to enhance the image of the legislature and ensure MPs are well resourced to carry out their mandate.

Pledging his support and that of his colleagues to the new leader of the House, Minority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu however, challenged Mr. Bagbin to be courageous and champion the course of Parliamentarians.

He said the MPs lack the requisite resources to enable them effectively perform and keep the executive in check.

“We have all enjoyed working with him…We want to believe that the Hon. Bagbin would have a stronger muscle as the leader of the house to fight for the rights of this house”.

Mr. Bagbin took over from Dr. Benjamin Kunbuor, who has been nominated by the President John Mahama as Minister of Defense. He became the Majority Leader in the Ghanaian parliament in 2009.

Following a cabinet reshuffle in January 2010, he was appointed Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing by the late President John Atta Mills. He has been in parliament since 1993. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Jerry Tsatro Mordy | [email protected]

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