By Iddi Yire
Accra, Nov 27, GNA – Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has declined the request of Mr. Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, to recall the House to consider urgent Government Business.
In a memo dated November 26, addressed to Mr. Afenyo-Markin, the Speaker noted the House would resume sitting after the December 7 general election to complete all essential matters before a seamless transition to the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.
The Majority Leader’s memo called on the Speaker to exercise his discretion, pursuant to Orders 57(3) and 58(4) of the Standing Orders of the House, to summon the House to sit for two days, Thursday 28th and Friday 29th November, to consider 22 items, all of which the Majority Leader referred to as either outstanding public business or urgent Government Business.
However, Speaker Bagbin in his response said: “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.”
Speaker Bagbin noted that this season was 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 had been applied to the benefit of the people.
He said bearing in mind the provisions of Article 296 (a) and (6) of the Constitution, 1992, and the closeness of the Majority Leader’s proposed dates to the general election, he was of the considered opinion, that it would not be in the national interest to interrupt the campaigns of members and parties by a recall to plenary sitting of Parliament.
“Consequently, it will not be fair to exercise my discretion in favor of your request to summon Members of Parliament at this time to a two-day sitting to deliberate on 22 items you consider urgent or outstanding Government Businesses,” he said.
The Speaker said it was worth noting that, considering the practice and deliberations of the House, he wondered how the proposed 22 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,” the Speaker wrote.
Speaker Bagbin reiterated that the House would resume sitting after the elections to complete all essential matters before a seamless transition to the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.
He said the national interest would be better served if members exhibit conduct of honor, empathy, and humility in the performance of their duties.
“In the circumstances, I am neither inclined nor disposed to exercise my discretion in favor of your request. The request Is accordingly declined,” Speaker Bagbin stated.
GNA