The implementation of new standing orders in Parliament, effective Tuesday, February 6, brings about a significant change in the way parliamentary sessions will commence. The introduction of reciting the National Pledge at the beginning of proceedings marks a notable shift in protocol.
Under the new standing orders, heads of state institutions will now be required to directly appear before Parliament to address queries related to their respective agencies. This stands in contrast to the previous standing orders, which allowed Ministers of State to represent the heads of institutions during questioning.
Members of Parliament will now undergo a roll call and participate in reciting the national pledge as part of the new dispensation at the start of proceedings. Ahmed Ibrahim, the First Deputy Minority Whip in Parliament, provided insights on the modifications, highlighting that independent bodies such as the Electoral Commission, CHRAJ boss, BoG governor, NCCE, and the Auditor General will now face questioning similar to ministers on the parliamentary floor.
Ibrahim emphasized that the new standing orders cater for the mode of answering questions on the floor, ensuring that heads of independent bodies can be interrogated by committees and respond to questions directly. This represents a departure from previous practices where their presence and participation were limited.
The changes introduced by the new standing orders reflect a commitment to enhancing transparency and accountability within parliamentary proceedings. By allowing for direct questioning of heads of institutions, Parliament aims to ensure thorough scrutiny and oversight of key agencies and bodies. This move signifies a significant evolution in the dynamics of parliamentary interactions and reaffirms the commitment to upholding democratic principles.
source citinewsroom | curated by Mabel Apronti | Mydailyreports24
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