Tuesday, December 18, 2012

No More Bamford Addo, Speaker of Parliament?



Though unconfirmed, it is certain Speaker of Parliament, Mrs. Joyce Bamford Addo, would not retain her speakership in the house with effect from next year.

She may pave way for one of these three government functionaries under the John Mahama administration in 2013; Member of Parliament for Avenor Ave, Edward Doe Adjaho, Chairman of the Refugees Board Ken Dzirasah and Obed Asamoah, former Chairman of the National Democratic Congress.

Deputy Minority Leader, Abdul Rashid Pelpuo in an interview with Joy FM, could not confirm or deny a possible replacement of Mrs. Bamford Addo, current Speaker of Parliament.

The Speaker and retired Supreme Court Judge became first lady Speaker of Parliament in 2009 under the former late President John Evans Atta Mills.

Rashid Pelpuo in his submission, said Mrs. Bamford Addo wrote a good testimonial justifying the competence and trustworthiness of women to hold public offices, also adding that the Speaker did everything right to acquit herself.

According to him, a Speaker of the House should be objective, neutral and shrewd on the floor of Parliament.

He added the Speaker must not be tilted on partisan lines but show objectiveness as an umpire in Parliament.

Also speaking on the criteria of selecting a Speaker, NPP Member of Parliament for Sekondi, Papa Owusu Ankomah said the Speaker must be well-versed in Parliamentary procedures and should not repress debates in the House.

The House is currently in session and will rise on Friday.

It will reconvene on January 3, 2013 and will officially be dissolved on January 6, 2013 with the new members sworn into office on January 7, 2013.

Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw

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