Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has disclosed that members of the House cannot reconvene ahead of the December polls.
According to the Speaker, the upcoming elections will not make it prudent ofr the House to be reconvened since the MPs are required to account to their constituents the mandate that was handed them four years ago.
Speaker Bagbin’s response come on the back of the NPP caucus’ appeal for an emergency recall of the House to attend to some serious government business.
The leader of the caucus, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, in a November 22, 2024 statement proposed that the recall session occurs between November 28 and 29.
But in his memo to the caucus Tuesday, November 26, Mr. Bagbin said the House would resume after the elections to carry out its outstanding business.
“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 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.”
Bagbin told Afenyo-Markin that he was aware the parliamentary calendar acknowledged election 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 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 added.
Credit: Felix Anim-Appau