The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has declined the request by the Majority Leader for him to recall the House to consider outstanding urgent government and public business.
He said given the closeness of the elections, barely 11 days, recalling members of Parliament would interrupt their campaigns and that would not serve the national interest.
In such circumstances, he said he was neither inclined nor disposed to exercise his discretion in favour of Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s request to recall the legislators.
“Bearing in mind the provisions of article 296 (a) and (b) of the Constitution and the closeness of the proposed dates to the general election, I am 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 the plenary sitting of Parliament,” he said.
Memo
In a November 26 dated memo in response to a request by the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Mr Bagbin said.
“Consequently, it will not be fair to exercise my discretion in favour 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.
“It is worth noting that having regard to the practice and deliberations of the House, I wonder how the proposed 22 items could be transacted within two days.
“I accordingly suggest that government prioritises these businesses together with others not captured by your memo for consideration after the conduct of the general elections on December 7, 2024,” he said.
Functions by plenary
Writing in response to Mr Afenyo-Markin’s request for him to recall the House, the Speake the request was received at his office on Friday, November 22, 2024 at a time he was out of office to honor an invitation outside Accra.
He said the Majority Leader’s memo called on me 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, November 28 and 29, 2024, to consider 22 items, all of which the Leader referred to as either outstanding public business or urgent government business.
“Honourable 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,” he retorted.
Request declined
Mr Bagbin said 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 has been applied to the benefit of the people.
He, therefore, said the House would resume sitting after the elections to complete all essential matters before a seamless transition to the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.
“The national interest would better be 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,” he said.
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