Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has rejected a request from the Majority Caucus to reconvene Parliament ahead of the December 7 elections, stating that the timing is incompatible with the current electoral season.
The Majority Caucus, in a letter dated November 22, 2024, and signed by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, proposed holding an emergency session on November 28 and 29 to address urgent government business. However, Speaker Bagbin, in a memo issued on Tuesday, November 26, firmly declined the request, emphasizing the need to respect the parliamentary calendar and the demands of the election period.
“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,” Bagbin stated in his response.
The Speaker also urged members of Parliament to prioritize the national interest and approach their duties with dignity and respect during this crucial period.
“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 wrote.
Bagbin further reminded Afenyo-Markin and the Majority Caucus of the importance of the election season for Ghana’s democratic process. He noted that this period is dedicated to government officials, political parties, and candidates presenting their manifestos and justifying their four-year mandates to the electorate.
“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 the mandate given them by the voters for the four-year term of office has been applied to the benefit of the people,” he explained.
The Speaker’s decision has underscored the focus on the upcoming general elections, with parliamentary activities set to resume afterward to address outstanding matters and prepare for the transition to a new Parliament.
Source: InsiderGH.com
