Bagbin Puts Parliament In Cooler

Alban Bagbin

 

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, has declined a request by the Majority in Parliament to recall the House for a two-day meeting to address outstanding government business.

In a memo dated November 26, 2024 and addressed to the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Speaker outlined his reasons for rejecting the request, which had proposed plenary sittings on November 28 and 29 to deliberate on 22 items deemed either “urgent” or “outstanding public business.”

Speaker Bagbin noted that the request, received on November 22 while he was out of Accra, came during a crucial period of political campaigning.

He stated that the parliamentary calendar traditionally accommodates this campaign season, allowing government and opposition candidates to engage voters, present their manifestos, and account for their stewardship.

“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,” he stressed.

Citing constitutional provisions under Article 296(a) and (b), the Speaker argued that summoning Members of Parliament (MPs) at this critical juncture would disrupt campaign activities and unfairly burden MPs.

Furthermore, he questioned the feasibility of addressing 22 items in just two days, suggesting that the government prioritise these items for deliberation after the December 7 elections.

“The national interest would better be served if members exhibit conduct of honour, empathy, and humility in the performance of their duties,” Mr. Bagbin stated.

He called for a focus on essential matters post-election to ensure a smooth transition to the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

“I accordingly suggest that the government prioritises these businesses together with others not captured by your memo for consideration after the conduct of the general election on the 7th of December 2024,” the Speaker said.

“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 conducts of honour, empathy, and humility in the performance of their duties,” he intimated.

He concluded, “In the circumstances, 1 am neither inclined nor disposed to exercise my discretion in favour of your request. The request is accordingly declined.”

By Ernest Kofi Adu

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