The department, if operationalised, will assist parliament with counsel on internal and external issues as well as help with the drafting of bills, especially a private member’s bill, which the House seeks to introduce.

The establishment of the department is one of the key things current Speaker, Prof Mike Oquaye wants to introduce during his tenure.

Delivering his remarks at the end of the second meeting, he indicated that the vast experience of Justice Crabbe made him the best person to accomplish the task at hand.

“The Board has also proceeded with a keen interest in the establishment of a legal and drafting department from parliament, something which has never existed.

“He helped Kenya in establishing their legal department in this same way, sharpening their processes, luckily, he agreed to assist Parliament in this regard and an office is being prepared for him,” Prof Oquaye stressed.

Among Justice Crabbe’s notable work on the continent, he worked with the Constitutional Review Commission of Kenya and was leader of the group of people who drafted the Kenyan Constitution.

He also worked for the Zambian Constitutional Commission for the drafting of the Zambian Constitution.

Back in Ghana, he worked with the Fiajoe Review Commission on the review of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

Some of his early legal work saw him serve as a Special Commissioner to the 1968 Constitutional Commission and Legislative Draftsmen to the 1969 Constituent Assembly which drafted the 1969 Constitution of Ghana.

Justice Crabbe was also the Chairman of the 1979 Constituent Assembly which drafted the 1979 Constitution of Ghana. –citinewsroom.com