Parliament yesterday reconvened to conduct business after an eight-week recess. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie as members from both sides exchanged greetings and pleasantries. Some MPs, especially those who had successfully gone through their primaries, congratulated each other on their achievements. In his remarks to welcome members, the Speaker, Ebenezer Sekyi- Hughes, urged them to be tolerant of divergent views and forge ahead in consensus building. "As we are collectively advancing to the end of our tenure, let us be tolerant of the various caucuses in our deliberations," he said. Mr Sekyi-Hughes urged members to let their actions strengthen the foundation laid by their compatriots for a united Ghana, and expressed the hope that there would not be any lateness and absenteeism. He gave thanks to God for guiding the members in their endeavours during the recess. About 12 new Bills are expected to be laid before the House for consideration during the meeting which is expected to end on July 15. Among them are the Internal Revenue (Amendment) Bill, Electronic Communications Authority Bill; the Electoral Commission (Amendment) Bill and the National Pensions Reform Bill. Other instruments to be laid before the House include Copy- right Regulations, Wholesale Electricity Market Regulations and the Audit Service Regulations. Later, the MPs expressed their grief at the devastating effect of the earthquake that hit the Sichuan province of China recently, and expressed their deepest condolences for that country’s government and people. They noted that the process of providing relief to the less fortunate ones could only be achieved by a united effort and urged the international community to rally behind the Chinese government in that regard. The MPs were contributing to a statement made on the floor of the House by K.O. Frimpong (NPP-Ahafo Ano North). Contributing to the statement, Abraham Ossei-Aidooh, Majority Leader and member for Tema West, said it is unfortunate that such a tragedy should befall China, and added that Ghana has to draw a lesson from the disaster by adequately equipping the National Disaster Management Organisation to deal effectively with such situations. Alban Bagbin, Minority Leader and MP for Nadowli West, on his part, said he was privileged to be part of a Parliamentary delegation, led by the Speaker that visited China some weeks ago "during which we witnessed the great strides made by the Chinese people." on his part, said he was privileged to be part of a Parliamentary delegation, led by the Speaker that visited China some weeks ago "during which we witnessed the great strides made by the Chinese people." He said the Sichuan province was among the provinces visited, adding it therefore came as a shock when the disaster occurred a few days after their return. He said there is the need for a global effort to help China to stand on its feet. While expressing his solidarity with the Chinese people, Freddie Blay, First Deputy Speaker and CPP MP for Ellembele, said the spirit of rebuilding exhibited by the Chinese in the face of the devastation needs to be emulated by all. Source: The Ghanaian Times