Accra, Jan. 31, GNA – The Ghana News Agency (GNA) presents highlights of major events that took place during the first week of the Second Session of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.
Bagbin goes traditional at opening of Second Session of Eighth Parliament
Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin at the first meeting of the Second Session of the Eighth Parliament, on Tuesday, broke tradition by dressing like a chief from southern Ghana instead of the cloak of the Speaker.
He was cladded in a beautiful red, yellow, green, blue and white Ghanaian kente cloth over a white jumper shirt.
The Speaker also wore beads around his neck and left hand with a gold plated traditional crown to match.
This was the first time a Speaker of the Fourth Republican Parliament of Ghana conducted official duties in the Chamber in traditional outfit other than the cloak of the Speaker.
Three-member Zambian delegation to study Ghana’s Parliament
A three-member delegation from the National Assembly of Zambia was in Ghana for a five-day study visit of Ghana’s Parliament.
The delegation, led by Madam Princess Kasune, Deputy Government Chief Whip, National Assembly of Zambia, also had Mrs Cynthia Nkyeraa, a Senior and National Relations Assistant and a Principal Clark.
The visit was intended to deepen the relations between Ghana’s Parliament and Zambia’s Legislature.
Mr Alban Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, in his opening address for the House on Tuesday in the Second Session of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana, introduced and welcomed the delegation.
South Tongu MP calls for critical look at sports development in Ghana
Mr Kobena Mensah Woyome, the Member of Parliament (MP) for South Tongu, has called for a critical look at national sports development.
He made the call on the floor of Parliament in a statement on the poor performance of the Senior Male National Team, the Black Stars, at the ongoing 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon, where Ghana failed to qualify for the knockout stage.
“Mr Speaker, for us to see a positive turn around in Ghana’s football and giving the central role of sports in national development, and in fostering national unity, there is the need for the Government to, as a matter of urgency, initiate a process for a holistic sports development agenda; that adopts short to long term approach to sports development to restore sports and Ghana Football in particular from the grassroot to the top.”
Finance Minister proposes reduction in e-levy, Minority still adamant
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has proposed a reduction in the E-Levy rate after meeting with the Minority leadership as part of the ongoing consultation on the passage of the E- levy bill.
Sources closed to the meeting indicate that the Minority Caucus was still opposed to the new rate and suggested that the entire E-Levy be dropped.
Parliament adjourns E-Levy debate to February 1
Parliament on Friday adjourned the debate on the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) Bill to Tuesday, February 1.
Mr Joseph Osei-Owusu, the First Deputy Speaker, presiding as Speaker, adjourned the sitting.
GNA