Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has recalled the legislature for a sitting after previously suspending its sessions indefinitely.In a notice dated December 2, 2024, he announced that Parliament will reconvene on Monday, December 16, 2024, to handle pressing legislative business.

0

This decision comes shortly after Bagbin rejected a request from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Caucus for an emergency recall ahead of the December 7, 2024, general elections. Responding to the request in a memo dated November 26, 2024, the Speaker stated that reconvening Parliament so close to the elections would not align with the nation’s best interests.

1

He emphasised that the parliamentary calendar recognises election campaign periods as critical times when both the government and Members of Parliament engage with the public to present their manifestos and account for their stewardship.

2

"Pursuant to Order 58 of the Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana, I, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, hereby give notice that the Seventh Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic shall commence on Monday, the 16th day of December 2024, at ten o'clock in the forenoon at a place to be appointed by the Speaker in due course," the statement signed by the Speaker said.

3

Speaker Alban Bagbin recently turned down a request from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Caucus to call Parliament back for an emergency sitting ahead of the December 7, 2024, general elections.<img src="

alt="" class="wp-image-730932" />In a memo dated November 26, 2024, Bagbin explained that recalling Parliament so close to the elections would not serve the country’s best interest. He

4

noted that this period is set aside for election campaigns, where both the government and Members of Parliament focus on engaging with citizens, sharing their plans, and being accountable for their time in office."Again, as you are aware, the parliamentary calendar acknowledges election campaign periods.

5

This season is for the Government, Parties, and both presidential and parliamentary candidates to present their manifestos 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," parts of the memo read.

6

Bagbin further noted that the proposed two days (November 28 and 29) suggested by the Leader of Government Business, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, would not be sufficient for the House to address the twenty-two urgent items on the agenda."It is worth noting that, having regard to the practice and deliberations of the House, I wonder how the proposed twenty-two items could be transacted within two days.

7

"The national interest would better be served if members exhibit conduct of honour, empathy, and humility in the performance of their duties. In the circumstances, I am neither inclined nor disposed to exercise my discretion in favour of your request. The request is accordingly declined," he stated.

conclusion, Alban Bagbin said, "The House will resume sitting after the elections to complete all

8

essential matters before a seamless transition to the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana."The Speaker's response comes after the New Patriotic Party Caucus in Parliament appealed for an emergency recall to address pressing government business.

9