Parliament goes on Christmas recess

By Iddi Yire

Accra, Dec 24, GNA – Parliament on Thursday adjourned sine die for the Christmas break after passing the Appropriation Bill for the 2023 Fiscal Year.

The break also marks the end of the Third Meeting of the Second Session of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, in his closing remarks, said: “All is well that ends well.”

“And I say ayekoo to all of you. And may you enjoy the yuletide”.

Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Majority Leader,Leader of Government Business, and Member of Parliament (MP) for Suame, thanked his colleague MPs for their cooperation.

“It wasn’t all easy in all times. But Mr Speaker, we managed to demonstrate with our mates, that although we disagree, we can cooperate. Mr Speaker, that is the beauty of the democracy that we are enjoying today.” He said.

Touching on the Christmas celebration, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu urged the MPs to use the opportunity to reconcile with one another and their Maker.

“We are in difficult times and it is important that all believers join hands to pray to God for greater endowment of knowledge and wisdom in the governance of this country,” the Majority Leader said.

He advised the MPs to observe traffic regulations to ensure an accident-free Christmas.

He urged all to make some time to rest, get closer to their families, re-energize and get composed for an active participation in the First Meeting of the Third Session of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

“Mr Speaker, this remarks cannot end without a special thank you to Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, the Minority Leader; his Deputy, his Chief Whip and the Deputy Whips, the various Ranking Members and all members of the Minority Caucus, we’ve enjoyed your debates and we say God bless you.”

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

Mr Iddrisu, the Minority Leader and MP for Tamale South, lauded the Speaker for his strong leadership in stirring the affairs of the House.

He lauded the Speaker’s determination to help theHouse’s Leadership build a strong and accountable Parliament.

The Minority Leader commended Mr Joseph Osei-Owusu, the First Deputy Speaker; Mr Andrew AmoakoAsiamah, the Second Deputy Speaker; the Majority Leader, his colleague MPs, the Clerk of Parliament, the staff of the Table Office and the Parliamentary Press Corps for their support throughout the year.

He appealed to Members to work as a team in the national interest.

GNA