By Iddi Yire
Accra, Jan 6, GNA – The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Caucus has nominated Mr Bernard Ahiafor, Member of Parliament for Akatsi South, as First Deputy Speaker of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.
His nomination took place during a meeting of the NDC Parliamentary Caucus.
The Speaker is assisted in the performance of his duties by two Deputy Speakers – First and Second Deputy Speakers, who are elected at the beginning of every Parliament, both of whom should not belong to the same political party.
By the practice of the House, the First Deputy Speaker is elected from the Majority Group.
He presides over the sittings of the House whenever the Speaker is absent. When he takes the Chair, he exercises all the powers of the Speaker for the effective and efficient conduct of business in the House.
By the Standing Orders of the House, the First Deputy Speaker presides over the Appointments Committee and the Privileges Committee.
GNA