Parliament to modify Article 181

Parliament has constituted an adhoc committee to make recommendations on the modifications contemplated under article 181(5) of the 1992 Constitution.

Article 181(5) states: “This article shall, with the necessary modifications by Parliament, apply to an international business or economic transaction to which the government is a party as it applies to a loan.”

Mr. Alfred Agbesi, Deputy Majority Leader moved the motion for the constitution of the committee, which was supported by Mr. Osei Kyei-Mensah- Bonsu, Minority Leader and both decided a four-week period for the Committee to report back to the House, which was accepted by the Speaker.

The formation of the committee became necessary because article 181 (5) enjoins Parliament to make input in financial transactions that the country enters into, a duty Parliament had for 20 years failed to undertake.

Dr Benjamin Bewa-Nyog Kunbuor, leader of government business is Chairman of Committee with Mr. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu as Vice Chairman.

Other members are Mr. Ebo Barton Oduro, first Deputy Speaker, Mr. Joe Ghartey, second Deputy Speaker, Mr Cletus Apul Avoka, member for Zebilla, Papa Owusu-Ankomah member for Sekondi, Mr. James Klutse Avedzi, member for Ketu North.

The rest are Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, member for Old Tafo; Mr. Alban S.K Bagbin, member for Nadowli Kaleo; Alfred Kwame Agbesi, member for Ashaiman; William Ofori Boafo, member for Akwapim North; Mrs. Della Sowah, member for Kpando; Joseph Osei-Owusu, member for Bekwai, Charles Obeng-Inkoom, member for Agona West.

Mrs. Gifty Eugenia Kusi, member for Tarkwa-Nsaem argued that the number of women in the Committee should be increased but Mr. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, explained that a lot of care was taken to involve members from across board with various expertises.

Source: GNA