The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has announced that there is going to be virtual sittings for Members of Parliament (MPs) as part of the measures to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.
It would mean that a small number of MPs would be present in the house to do business, whilst the rest would be in their offices to observe and also participate in proceedings via online.
The Speaker, who gave the directive last Friday, also announced that the House said the virtual sitting was beginning from this week.
According to him, one-third of the Members of the House will be required to be present in the chamber to carry on with the business of the House, while the rest will be offices to observe and take part in proceedings.
He said all MPs would be recalled to the House when debates crop up, indicating that “because of the Covid-19, we will need one-third of members on the floor.”
“The rest will have to do virtual Parliament, you will have to be in your offices to observe proceedings and as and when necessary, appear to contribute,” Speaker Bagbin noted.
He revealed that the House was also considering holding sittings in the tent erected at the forecourt from where the President and his Vice were sworn in to pave the way for fumigation exercise in the Chamber and Offices of Parliament.
He called on all MPs to cooperate with the Parliamentary Service to ensure a successful exercise.
The Speaker also directed the MPs to make themselves available for the testing of Covid-19, as part of measures to contain the spread of the virus.
Govt Business
Meanwhile, the Leader of the House, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, announced last Friday that an induction seminar would be organized for parliamentarians, adding that “it is expected to take place during the first week of February, 2021.”
“Further details on the induction seminar would be communicated to members in the next Business Statement,” he asserted and continued that papers and reports might be laid during the week and reports from committees might also be presented to the House.
“Speaker, the Committee of Selection is urged to expedite work on the composition of the various Committees of the House and submit its report on same to the House as soon as possible. The Committee members are therefore implored to avail themselves for this important assignment during meetings of the Committee.”
Standing Orders
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said in view of the urgent need for the review of the Standing Orders for the smooth conduct of business in the House, a joint Caucus meeting had been programmed to be held from Thursday, January 28, 2021, to Friday, January 29, 2021.
“The meeting is to avail all members the platform to make inputs towards the review process. Members are urged to attend in order to make their proposals for consideration,” he stated.
Rawlings’ funeral
The Leader of Government Business also announced that the remains of the former President, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, were expected to be laid in state for filing past from Sunday, January 24, to Tuesday, January 26, 2021.
“MPs are programmed to file past on Tuesday, 26 January 2021. It is proposed that MPs pay their respects between the hours of 9:00 am and 10:00 am on the said date to enable the House sit by 11:00 am thereafter,” he stated.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House