The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has declined a request from Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to recall the House for a two-day sitting, citing concerns over national interest and the impracticality of the proposed agenda.
In a memo dated November 26, 2024, Speaker Bagbin responded to Afenyo-Markin’s earlier request, which was made in a memo on November 22, 2024.
The request sought to reconvene Parliament on November 28 and 29 to address 22 items deemed “urgent Government Business” and “outstanding public business.”
This request followed the indefinite adjournment of Parliament on November 7, after Speaker Bagbin noted the absence of a prepared agenda from the Business Committee.
In his response, the Speaker emphasized the need to balance parliamentary duties with the ongoing political campaigns, making it impractical to proceed with the proposed sitting at this time.
“Hon. Leader, as you may be aware, the performance of the functions of Parliament and the duties of members of Parliament extends beyond the plenary sittings of Parliament.
“Again as you are aware, the parliamentary calendar acknowledges elections campaign periods. This season is for the Government, Parties, and both presidential and parliamentary candidates to present their manifestoes to the people, and to account and justify how the mandate given them by the voters for the four-year term of office has been applied to the benefit of the people.”
The Speaker also questioned the feasibility of addressing 22 items within two days, noting that such an approach would be inconsistent with the House’s practices and deliberative processes.
“It is worth noting that having regard to the practice and deliberations of the House, I wonder how the proposed twenty-two items could be transacted within two days.
“I accordingly suggest that the government prioritizes these businesses together with others not captured by your memo for consideration after the conduct of the General elections on the 7th of December 2024.”
Citing Article 296 (a) and (b) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, Bagbin stressed that the national interest would be better served by allowing members of Parliament to focus on their campaign activities.
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