Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has summoned Parliament to convene on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. This decision follows a petition from Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, requesting an urgent recall of the House to deliberate on government business.
In his response on August 7, Speaker Bagbin noted that a careful review of the issues outlined in the request revealed they do not meet the threshold set by Article 112 of the Constitution.
Speaker Bagbin highlighted that many of the matters, including the $250 million IDA financing agreement, were already tabled before the House prior to the adjournment on July 30, 2024.
He pointed out that these matters were already under consideration by Parliament, and in the case of the IDA Financing Agreement, had been subjected to debate and rejected. This, he noted, undermines the essence of the request for a recall.
Several of the bills listed in the request are still under consideration at the Committee level. The official reports of July 30 indicated the unwillingness of even members of the Majority side to transact the same business.
Article 112 (1) of the Constitution empowers the Speaker to appoint the place for Parliament to conduct its business.
Bagbin noted the unavailability of the Chamber of the House and the poor state of the Accra International Conference Centre, presenting a practical challenge in appointing a suitable place for a parliamentary meeting.
Considering the current logistical realities, the Speaker emphasized the need to weigh the broader context to make an informed decision aligning with principles of good governance and democratic integrity.
To address these practical concerns and allow sufficient time for preparations, Parliament is summoned to meet on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at a place and venue to be communicated as soon as one becomes available. He acknowledged that Order 53 cannot be fully complied with.
Speaker Bagbin assured the public of his commitment to his Oath to faithfully and consciously discharge his duties as Speaker of Parliament.
