The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called on Members of Parliament (MPs) to rise above their political differences and work together in the interest of the nation.
He explained that lawmakers should not allow partisan politics to enslave them, as their primary responsibility is to serve the needs of the country.
Speaking during the opening session of a a three-day orientation program for Members of the 9th Parliament, at the Volta Serene Hotel in Ho
The Minority in Parliament has boycotted the 3-day orientation program as they believe the choice of location is politically motivated and burdens the state with additional cost.
Expressing his disappointment, Speaker Bagbin described their stance as regrettable and unjustified, stressing the importance of the training. Speaker Bagbin explained that the venue among other arrangements, was decided on and recommended by a search party following a comprehensive evaluation of several factors.
“I only saw a WhatsApp message last night that our colleagues, our brothers and sisters of the New Patriotic Party have opted out, giving a reason that is completely unacceptable.
“There is good reason why we choose venues for this. It’s not partisan. There’s always a search party and they go around discuss of the various hospitalities, look at the cost components, the facilities, their suitability, the convenience of your movements, because there are other pressures on you and there are score marks before we decide where to go. There is no partisanship in this at all.
“This time around, the parliamentary service followed the same. That is what is done. The final results are brought to the speaker and until I have a very good reason why it shouldn’t be at that place, I just give my approval.” He said.
Speaker Bagbin continued, “the orientation is for the 276 Members of Parliament and staff because the staff work with you and if you don’t build the capacity of the staff, they will not be in the position to serve you, to provide what you need to be able to satisfy the immeasurable unlimited demands of the country, of your people and of the world, so it’s usually a large number of people.
“Their reason is that the cost component is too much and they don’t want to be part of that, we don’t want to talk. Please don’t allow your political differences to enslave you. Don’t be also enslaved by our history. That’s one of the biggest challenges we have in this country. What our grandfathers did is what has enslaved us and who will emancipate us from our mental slavery? Nobody except ourselves.”
Despite the boycott, the orientation, which began as scheduled, will continue until Monday, March 3, 2025. Participants will be provided training in parliamentary practices, lobbying, advocacy skills, and debating skills among others.
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com
