Accra: Speaker of Parliament Alban S. K. Bagbin has charged parliamentarians to eschew egoism, indiscipline, and superiority complex and exhibit exemplary leadership to the youth. That, he said, would promote unity, healthier and stronger Parliamentary work for sustainable national development.
According to Ghana News Agency, Speaker Bagbin gave the admonition at the Speaker’s First Breakfast Prayer Meeting of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic of the Parliamentary Christian Fellowship (PCF) at Parliament House on Tuesday. The meeting, held under the auspices of Speaker Bagbin, was themed ‘A Better and a Stronger Parliament’, anchored on Psalm 33:12.
The Speaker expressed concern over recent disturbances in parliamentary proceedings and warned that he would not hesitate to implement strict measures against erring parliamentarians to ensure order and decency. He emphasized that Parliament should serve as the foundation of democracy, rather than a platform for politicking or religious fanaticism, urging parliamentarians to prioritize national interest.
Speaker Bagbin urged parliamentarians to be remembered for their contributions to rectifying societal wrongs rather than promoting indecency. He proposed the establishment of a ‘National Integrity Awards’ to acknowledge individuals who demonstrate high levels of decency and integrity, while suggesting a ‘Vulture Award’ for those whose conduct has brought embarrassment to the country.
The Speaker recommended forming a committee comprising the Clergy, academia, and accomplished personalities to evaluate candidates for recognition. Meanwhile, Archbishop Nicolas Duncan Williams stressed the importance of consensus-building to support national development during his address.
The prayer meeting gathered Members of Parliament, the Clerkship, the Clergy, and Parliament Service Staff. They offered prayers for President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman, Speaker Bagbin, and the nation. Attendees included MPs, ministers of State, and Clergy members like Archbishop Duncan Williams, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, Kwaku Asante-Boateng, Ebenezer Djietrior, and Voices of Democracy.
The Speaker’s Prayer meeting is organized by the PCF at the start of each parliamentary session to seek divine guidance for the House.