"President’s travelling is becoming irregular and unconstitutional" - Minority Leader






Minority Leader in Parliament Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has described as irregular, the continuous absence of President Mahama from the country.

He is particularly unhappy that the notice to Parliament usually comes after the President has already left the country.

Joy News’ parliamentary correspondent, Elton John Brobbey reported the Minority Leader complaining that President Mahama has constantly been breaching Article 59 of the 1992 Constitution.

The provision demands that the president inform Parliament before travelling outside the country, but Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said that is not being respected by the President and his handlers.

President John Mahama left the country for Qatar on Saturday for a three-day official visit but communication of the trip to Parliament was read in the house today.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Ebo Barton Odro, who chaired proceedings, said the letter from the presidency was dated 27th November but got to the Speaker’s office on 28th November at 5:40pm, explaining why it was being read today.

But the Minority Leader insisted the practice has been habitual, recurring over a period of time.

He said it is time the President’s handlers respect the constitutional provision and accord the house the necessary respect before the President leaves the country.

-Source: Ghana | Myjoyonline.com| Isaac Essel