Ayariga's Motion On Tertiary Students Fees Disapproved By Parliament

Parliament has by a voice vote disapproved the Private Member's motion moved by Hon. Mahama Ayariga MP for Bawku Central.

Debate on the Motion was characterized by partisanship. Whilst Members from the Minority caucus who contributed to the debate supported the motion, Members from the Majority Caucus argued against it.

The motion moved by Hon. Ayariga requested the President to take urgent steps to absorb fees of students in Public Tertiary Institutions and to extend support to accredited Private Tertiary Institutions as part of the national COVID-19 measures being implemented by the President.

He said the approval of the motion and its subsequent implementation by the President will go a long way to relieve students and parents of the economic hardship brought about by COVID-19.

Contributing to the debate on the motion, the MP for Ofoase/Ayirebi, Hon Kojo Oppong Nkrumah kicked against the motion for reasons that it lacks clarity, it is discriminatory against students in private tertiary institutions, the intention of the motion is not in line with best practices and is also illegal.

Making his contribution to the debate, Minority Leader, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu supported the motion saying it will provide great relief to beneficiary tertiary students.

He, however, disagreed with some Majority members who argued that the motion is discriminatory.

According to Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, such an argument by those Majority members is not backed by evidence.

Making his contribution to the debate the Majority Leader and MP for Suame constituency, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu described the motion by Hon. Mahama Ayariga as incompetent as it lacks clarity on specific fees that should be absorbed by the President and the nature of support being requested for private tertiary institutions.

Finally, the motion was thrown out when Speaker Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin put the question on it.

Source: Emmanuel Akorli/Parliamentary Correspondent/Peace Fm