Deputy Minister embarrassed by Parliament
A release issued by the
Public Affairs Department of the Office of Parliament stated these in reaction
to recent reports in a section of the media regarding a purported allocation of
an official bungalow to the Speaker. It noted that under normal circumstances,
reports of such nature could be treated as incidence of occupational hazards.
“However, persistent radio
discussions mounted on the same issue and the degree of spitefulness had
compelled the Office of Parliament to react by setting the records straight in
the hope that the matter will be put to rest,” it said.
The Speaker, the release
said, “regrets that, it is painful and disconcerting that after an official
bungalow allocated to him had been withdrawn, he should be shouldered with the
moral responsibility for the expenses made for renovating and refurbishing such
residence”. It noted that attempts by a section of the media to portray the
Speaker, as a spendthrift was unfortunate.
The release said the Speaker
would like to encourage free speech to nurture
Send your comments to viewpoint@ghanareview.com
The sector minister, Albert
Kan Dapaah, was said to be attending an emergency
meeting at an unnamed place, according to the Deputy Majority Leader, Abraham Ossei Aidoo. Gyau,
who made his maiden appearance in the Chamber since his appointment a couple of
month ago, had the unpleasant duty of consulting the deputy leader on a number
of occasions – thus drawing sarcastic comments from the floor of the House.
On another occasion when Adioo rose to save him from further exposure of the limited
knowledge about the ministry, he was ordered to resume his seat by the Speaker,
Peter Ala Adjetey, saying,
“I have not called you.”
The minority members,
realizing the deputy minister’s weakness, bombarded him with supplementary
questions to which he replied, “Mr Speaker, I will require prior notice to this
question.”
Let off the hook by the
Speaker, Gyau was further embarrassed when a voice
from the minority bench bade him farewell saying, “don’t
come here anymore.” In a written answer to three questions, which stood in the
names of the members for Wa Central, M. A. Seidu and Fanteakwa, Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, the minister said in line with the terms of
the agreement between Telenor Management Partner
(TMP) of Norway, Ghana Telecom will expand its fixed network to enable it
provide a minimum of 400,000 fixed lines by 2005, in order to extend telephone
services to every town with a senior secondary school, teacher training or
university.
Under those conditions, the
minister explained, many settlements in all districts including health centres,
clinics and security installations will be served with the facility. – Chronicle
Send your comments to viewpoint@ghanareview.com