BY: Lambert Coffie | VoltaOnline
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has warned Members of Parliament (MPs) to conduct themselves with integrity and dignity.
Speaking at the opening of a 3-day orientation programme for MPs at the Volta Serene Hotel in Ho on Saturday, the Speaker emphasized that misbehaviour would not be tolerated.
He expressed disappointment over the recent display of ‘theatrics’ on the floor of Parliament, stating that such behaviour should be occasional, not routine.
The programme, which is under the auspices of the Parliamentary Training Institute, aims to equip MPs with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively perform their duties.
The Speaker urged the MPs to study the 1992 Constitution, its antecedents and the debates of the 1992 Consultative Assembly. He also encouraged them to familiarize themselves with the Parliamentary Service Act, code of conduct and previous standing orders.
Addressing the new MPs, the Speaker advised them to guard against bad influence and not to be enslaved by political differences and past history.
He also cautioned them against relying on the executive for support, assuring them that he would work to make their work more attractive than that of a Minister of State.
Meanwhile, in the exception of the Second Deputy Speaker, Hon. Andrews Amoako Asiamah, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) minority MPs boycotted the programme, citing concerns over the venue selection and associated costs.
The Speaker described their reason for opting out as “completely unacceptable.”
The orientation programme is expected to end on Monday, March 3, 2025.
Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com
