The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has declined a request by the Majority in Parliament to recall the House.
In a memo dated Tuesday, November 26, and addressed to the Majority Leader, the Speaker stated that Parliament would resume after the elections to address essential matters.
This, he said will ensure a smooth transition into the 9th Parliament.
The speaker further acknowledged the parliamentary calendar’s accommodation of election campaign periods, stressing its significance in Ghana’s democratic process.
With the elections less than two weeks away, he said it is time for MPs to present their manifestoes to the people and to account and justify how the mandate given them for the four years have been applied to the benefit of 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,” Speaker Bagbin stated.
In a memo dated November 22, 2024, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader urged the Speaker to recall the House to consider several outstanding and urgent government businesses.
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This call comes after the Sixth Meeting of the Fourth Session of Parliament was adjourned on November 7, 2024, without addressing these critical matters.
The memo highlighted six key areas that require immediate attention, including Tax Exemptions, Ghana Financial Stability Fund, Supreme Court Justices, Mining Lease Agreements and Bills.
Afenyo-Markin emphasised that these matters are of high priority and require bipartisan cooperation to advance the national interest.
He proposed November 28 and 29, 2024, as the scheduled dates for the emergency recall.
However, Mr Bagbin questioned how the proposed items could be transacted within two days.
Below is the full memo
