The new Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, has assured that he will be fair in his dealings with all members of Parliament to enable them to contribute effectively to proceedings on the floor of the house.

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Prof Oquaye said he looks forward “to maximizing the opportunities for every member to contribute. I trust the experienced ones will mentor the up-coming. Those who sit in front should please learn to look behind them to allow others to contribute and remember that whereas they cannot normally see from the back of their heads, I have been placed on this platform so that everyone can catch my eye. I intend to be fair to all and therefore seek your understanding in advance.”

He added that he will work with the leadership of the House to institute means of encouraging new MPs to contribute to discussions on the floor.

Prof Mike Oquaye also raised issues about the inability of Members of Parliament to initiate legislation independent of the Executive and called for a change in the practice.

“The principle was that, the Commons would not give to the King/Queen, monies that the Crown had not asked for. But over the years, the British Parliament has developed means of allowing private members to introduce legislation. Recent studies I have made show that, there are a number of procedures whereby Private Members may initiate bills. Certainly, the Executive cannot sit aside while Parliament alone passes laws which impose obligations which the Executive cannot meet. We shall broaden our horizon in the lawmaking process to benefit our people.”

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He further described as worrying the low representation of women in Parliament, adding that there must be ways of finding a solution to that problem.

He also asked that the house is given a New Chamber, a good library among other things, to enable it to perform its duties effectively.

The Speaker urged all members of the House to uphold and defend the constitution of the country and work in the interest of all Ghanaians.