Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has inspected ongoing renovation work on the parliamentary chamber, with the House expected to reconvene in 11 days.
The decision to adjourn Parliament three weeks ago sparked fierce criticism from the Majority caucus.
However, the Speaker explained that the adjournment was necessary to allow for essential renovation work on the floor of the House.
During his visit, Alban Bagbin outlined some of the challenges facing the House, including issues with voting, quorum, and malfunctioning audiovisual systems.
He recalled that in 2014, Bosch DICENTIS Multimedia Company was commissioned by former Speaker Doe Adjaho to transform the House into an E-Parliament, a move aimed at reducing costs associated with bulk printing, paperwork, and other related expenses.
He revealed that the former Speaker, Prof Mike Ocquaye, later reviewed the initial contract and decided to install biometric gadgets in the Chamber.
This led to a competitive tendering process, with the contract awarded to Michel Africa Parliament Services.
Bagbin also clarified that the adjournment on July 30 was partly to allow attendance at an international parliamentary conference in the United States.
The renovation of the chamber, which is set to cost €2.26 million, is being funded by the government.
While the work tables are being produced locally by a company called Fernac, all other equipment will be imported.
The renovation is expected to be completed by the end of October 2024.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
