By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The New Standing Orders of Ghana’s Parliament have taken effect with the implementation of a New Order, which requires a roll call of members to be followed by a recitation of the National Pledge at the first sitting of every week before the commencement of official business.
Prior to this day, the old Standing Orders, which have been in use since 2000 in descending order, provides for:
Prayers are said after the speaker’s procession into the chamber, followed by messages from the president, a formal communication by the speaker, correction of votes and proceedings, and official report, statements, and presentation of papers.
Record of Attendance
Order 41 of the New Standing Orders provides for attendance.
14(1) At the commencement of a sitting and after prayers, the Speaker may cause to conduct, a roll call of Members of Parliament.
14(2) Members shall attend a Sitting of the House and sign a Record of Attendance in the Chamber that shall be manual or electronic.
14(3) The response to the roll call, a signed Record of Attendance at plenary or committee, shall be evidence of Attendance of a Member in Parliament.
The implementation of the roll call, Order 14 (1) which requires the mention of names of each member on the first day, took almost half an hour (11:35am- 12:03 noon).
The practice is expected to be conducted daily until such a time that an electronic attendance clocking system is adopted for the House.
Key provisions made in the new Standing Orders include the opening up of all committees to the public and the media, the creation of new committees, among others.
Parliament reconvened today, Tuesday, February 6, 2024, after it adjourned Sine Die for the Christmas and New Year festivities for proceedings of the last year (session) of the 8th Parliament.
