Impasse over election of new Speaker

Accra, Jan. 7, GNA - The inauguration of the Fourth Parliament of the Fourth Republic has been delayed over differences between the two sides over the choice of a new Speaker for the 230-member House.

As the impasse dragged on, the Minority filed out for consultation among themselves and the leadership of the House over the election of a Speaker.

A few minute before the Minority left the house, Mr John Mahama (NDC-Bole Bamboi) told the GNA that the Majority submitted the name and curriculum vitae of Mr Ebenezer Sakyi Hughes, Member of the Council of State, late last night as their choice of Speaker of the Fourth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

According to Mr Mahama there was the need for consultation between the Minority and the Majority over the choice of Mr Sakyi Hughes. He said the Minority was not pleased with the manner the former Speaker, Mr Peter Ala Adjetey was changed without any tangible reasons. Mr Mahama said from what he gathered from the Majority, the former Speaker was not retained because the Majority thought he was unbending and fair to the Minority.

He said by implication, the new Speaker would be easier to manipulate.

The Majority has nominated Mr Freddy Blay, (CPP Ellelbelle) as the First Deputy Speaker while the Minority has nominated Mr Ken Dzirassah, MP for South Tongu