The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has turned down a request from Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to recall Members of Parliament (MPs) to the House ahead of the upcoming general elections.
In a memo dated November 26, 2024, and addressed to the Majority Leader, Speaker Bagbin stated that Parliament would reconvene after the elections to address essential matters. This decision, he explained, aims to facilitate a smooth transition to the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic.
The Speaker highlighted the importance of the parliamentary calendar’s provision for election campaign periods, describing it as a critical component of Ghana’s democratic process. With the elections less than two weeks away, he stressed that MPs should use the time to present their manifestoes to the electorate and account for how they have utilized their four-year mandate to benefit the people.
“The House will resume sitting after the elections to complete all essential matters before a seamless transition to the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana. The national interest would better be served if members exhibit conduct of honour, empathy, and humility in the performance of their duties. In the circumstances, I am neither inclined nor disposed to exercise my discretion in favour of your request. The request is accordingly declined,” the Speaker wrote.
The Majority Leader’s request, dated November 22, 2024, had called for an emergency recall to address urgent government business. The memo identified six critical areas requiring immediate attention, including Tax Exemptions, the Ghana Financial Stability Fund, Supreme Court Justices, Mining Lease Agreements, and various Bills. Afenyo-Markin proposed November 28 and 29, 2024, as the dates for the recall, arguing that bipartisan cooperation was necessary to advance the national interest.
However, Speaker Bagbin questioned the feasibility of addressing such significant matters within the proposed two-day period, ultimately deciding against the recall.
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