Speaker Bagbin Cautions Committees Against Unnecessary Delays With Bills | Parliament

Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament has cautioned Committees of the House against the unnecessary delays in handling reports and bills referred to them for consideration.

The Speaker, who gave the caution in a formal communication to the House, also reminded Members, particularly the Leadership of Committees, of the guidance of Article 106 Clause 14.

The said Article 106 Clause 14 states; “(14) A bill introduced in Parliament by or on behalf of the President shall not be delayed for more than three months in any committee of Parliament.”

Mr Bagbin averted their minds to Standing Order 136 which was a reproduction of Article 106 clause 14 on this matter.

He said even though the provisions deal specifically with public bills, they nevertheless, give an indication of how long Ghanaians expect a matter referred to a Committee of Parliament for investigation and enquiry could take before a report was submitted to the House for necessary action.

“Honourable Members, you know there are sanctions against breach of these rules. I have resisted the temptation to apply these sanctions.

“This is the third and last time I will defer applying and enforcing the sanctions. I did so because members were going through the learning process. I will no longer hesitate in applying these sanctions,” the Speaker said.

“Members are now conversant with how Parliament works, and I will proceed to apply the full rigors of the law. A word to the wise, is enough,” Speaker Bagbin added.