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Speaker of Parliament, Rtd. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin has tasked new Members of Parliament to tap from the experiences of senior colleagues in the House to make them more effective in their new roles.
The members, he said, must them immerse themselves in the two working instruments of the House, the 1992 Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament.
According to him, the only way to build their capacity quickly in order to contribute effectively to the business of Parliament within the shortest possible time is to imbibe these two documents.
Delivering a keynote address at an orientation and induction seminar for the new members at Ada on Saturday, Speaker of the House, Rtd. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin acknowledged that experiences and educational background of individual members may be vital and relevant for effective performance in the house.
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He, however, indicated first-time MPs, in particular, need effective training, coaching and mentorship in the practices and procedures of Parliament.
He said, “There are a lot of skills and competencies that new term MPs have to develop but these cannot be acquired anywhere except through learning from senior colleagues and practice.”
“It is logical to induct new members and orient them on the work of Parliament to enable them to understand the rudiments of what happens in the Chamber and at committee meetings.”
“This orientation seminar is, therefore, meant to trigger that process,” he added.
The 8th Parliament, he said, is very unique in its composition and therefore the need to showcase the rich beauty of Ghana’s democracy to Africa and the world
Rtd. Hon. Alban Bagbin admitted it is an onerous duty but expressed confidence in the capacity, integrity, commitment and loyalty of members to the cause of mother Ghana.
He urged the MPs to put the interest of the nation above partisanship, parochial or selfish-interest and consideration when conducting the business of the House.
Minority leader, Haruna Iddrisu, in his opening remark, reminded the new members they have been elected to the first-of-its-kind Parliament of Ghana.
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The 8th Parliament, he said, is unique in its nature and characteristic and therefore imposes some obligations and responsibilities on them.
He pointed to the Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament as the two working documents that could prepare them for the task ahead.
He urged the new members to learn from the Majority leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who made it a habit of carrying these documents wherever he goes.
“So learn from him that your guiding document is the Constitution of Ghana and the Standing Orders of Parliament”
“You must acquaint yourselves with them and even if nothing at all the provisions of Article 106 to 118 of the Constitution,” he said and added, “If you can keep a memory of it the better for you.”
Majority leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, his address noted that though the new members have their views about the work of Parliament, the functions are clearly set out.
He urged them to develop the art of learning quickly because they now have a responsibility to transmit information to the populace to educate them on business of the House.
According to him, though MPs and Parliament have enormous powers and authority, there are no go areas and that every business conducted and a law passed should be in the interest of the Ghanaian people.
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FrongPageGhana.com/Uthman Marani
