MEMBERS of Ghana?s Parliamenthave resumed sitting to complete the fourth session of the fifth Parliament of the Fourth Republic after breaking for the 2012 General Elections on Monday, 17th December, 2012.The lawmakers who unofficially took stock of the outcome of the December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections, in which some big shots from both sides of the House were dethroned, are expected to end the session on a good note.
THE lawmakers of this session would end their period of servitude on the mid-night of the 6th of January, 2012 which precedes the inauguration of the sixth parliament of this republic. Two-hundred and seventy five parliamentarians, of which a hundred and forty-eight and hundred and twenty-three are from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) respectively, would sit with three independent candidates and an MP from the People?s National Congress (PNC) for the next four years.
SPECULATIONS are rife on the election of a new Speaker of the house with various names being mentioned as probable candidates for the position. Be it as it may, the work of parliament would still continue in both scenarios and members of parliament are expected to cooperate.
TODAYcongratulates the MP?s elect and wish they contribute their quota to improving the democracy of the country when they are sworn into office on the morning of 7th January, 2013. We encourage them to use the time between their election and their swearing in to go around and observe at first hand the needs of their constituency and plan on what to do within their period of stewardship.
THEY should bear in mind that debates in the house calls for lots of research and hence members who expect to contribute meaningfully to discussions on the floor of the house must learn to research more. Also, new members are advised to eschew all forms of complacency and act as servants if they seek to be leaders in the house someday to come; respect the ?Mugabes.?
NEW MPs must also visit their constituencies frequently and not only on election days as many of their predecessors lost elections because they failed to visit their constituencies except for funerals and other social gatherings. Never take for granted the gesture done you by your party delegates by placing you in charge of the party; they can ruin your chances of ever occupying the seat again, listen to their woes and complains and attend to them when necessary.
MR. MP, know that politicians are birds of passage, so invest wisely during this period of stewardship to leave an imprint that would not be erased for generations. ?Take a cue from where your fellows fell and be on your guard for the same road by which you were carried shoulder high, you would be ushered out of your office if you fail.?
