Parliament breaks for holidays

Accra, Dec. 22, GNA - Parliament on Wednesday took a break for the Christmas holidays and is expected to reconvene on Thursday, January 4, 2005.

In accordance with Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, the President of the Republic of Ghana will deliver a message on the State of the Nation on the day of reconvening.

The House would on Wednesday, January 5, move a motion for adoption or otherwise of the report of the Public Accounts Committee on the Foreign Exchange Receipts and Payments of the Bank of Ghana for 1999 and 2000.

Mr Felix Owusu-Adjapong, Majority Leader, announced these when he presented the Business Statement for eighth week ending Thursday, January 6, 2005 whilst the House "shall stand dissolved" on same day. He said unfinished business during the meeting would be programmed for consideration later.

In his closing remarks, the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Peter Ala Adjetey, commended members for the work they have done and also ministers who managed to come to the House to help in its work despite their heavy schedules.

"Whatever we have achieved, we did it together and we are also responsible for our failures," he said.

Mr. Owusu-Adjapong congratulated members of the House for a good job done and urged them to be more committed to their work to move the nation forward.

"There is the need for self examination on what we did so that we can correct our errors and be more objective in our dealings instead of subjective."

He encouraged members of the House to be more out-spoken and bold during deliberations.

The Minority Leader, Mr Alban Bagbin commended the House for their dedicated service and commitment to national duties and that members should continue to provide the necessary support for the "strengthening of democracy in the country."

He said those who lost their seats during the recent elections should not be deterred but rather continue to share their experiences and give advice to members when necessary.

"We have to take stock of our work during the past four years and try to fortify the relationship that exist between us both within and out of the House since we are all partners in our quest for national development."