Parliament extends time for inputs of telecommunication bill

- Parliament extends the time-frame allotted for Ghanaians to submit inputs for the drafting and subsequent passage of the Postal Packets and Telecommunication Messages Bill to two weeks.

- The bill, if passed will make way for the National security to "spy' or have access to people's private calls and monitor people.

The Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament has extended the time for submission of inputs on the drafting of postal packets and telecommunications bill by two more weeks.

The latest development comes on the back of public and civil society agitation on the  shortness of time allowed for public input and consultation.

The Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunication Messages Bill, if passed into law, will allow personnel of the National Security to listen, record, monitor, intercept or tamper with telecommunication messages and postal packets.

READ ALSO: What to do in the event the robbers enter your premises

But the Chairman of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Fritz Baffour, in an interview with Accra based Joy News said they have extended the time to allow for more input from the public.

"We have granted the extension for two weeks. It is a very contentious bill. Any bill or law that people believe will infringe on their liberties and freedoms is opened to a lot of contention so we want more inputs from all the various stakeholders," Baffour indicated.

The Postal Packets and Telecommunication Messages Bill  will also help in the fight against terrorism, money laundering and other trans-national criminal activities if passed.

Source: YEN.com.gh