Speaker declines Afenyo Markin’s request to recall Parliament, cites election period

Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has declined a request by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to recall Parliament for a two-day emergency sitting on November 28 and 29, 2024.

The Speaker cited the proximity of the proposed dates to the general election as a key reason for his decision, emphasising the need to prioritise election campaigns over plenary sessions.

Responding to the Majority Leader’s memo, which proposed the consideration of 22 items described as urgent government business, Speaker Bagbin expressed reservations about the feasibility of addressing such a large number of issues in just two days. “Having regard to the practice and deliberations of the House, I wonder how the proposed twenty-two items could be transacted within two days,” he stated.

The Speaker also highlighted the broader responsibilities of Members of Parliament during the electoral season, noting that the parliamentary calendar acknowledges 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 for and justify how the mandate given them has been applied to the benefit of the people,” he explained.

Citing Article 296 (a) and (b) of the Constitution, Bagbin argued that recalling Parliament at this time would not serve the national interest and would unfairly disrupt MPs’ campaigns.

He emphasised the importance of allowing members and parties to focus on engaging the electorate ahead of the December 7 elections.

While rejecting the recall, the Speaker advised the government to prioritise its outstanding business for consideration after the elections, assuring that Parliament would reconvene to address essential matters before the transition to the next Parliament.

“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,” he added.

Bagbin urged members to conduct themselves with honor, empathy, and humility, stressing that such values would better serve the national interest.

He concluded by stating, “In the circumstances, I am neither inclined nor disposed to exercise my discretion in favour of your request.”