Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has declined a request from Majority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin to recall Parliament for an emergency session, citing the impracticality of the proposal and its potential to disrupt the upcoming December 7 general elections.
In a memo dated November 26, 2024, addressed to Afenyo-Markin, Speaker Bagbin stressed the need to maintain focus on the electoral process. He highlighted that the parliamentary calendar already accommodates election campaign periods, during which government officials and Members of Parliament engage with the electorate, presenting their manifestos and accounting for their mandates.
“The national interest would better be served if members exhibit conduct of honour, empathy, and humility in the performance of their duties,” Bagbin wrote. He also pointed out that the proposed two-day session, slated for November 28 and 29, would be insufficient to address the twenty-two urgent items on the agenda. In the circumstances, I am neither inclined nor disposed to exercise my discretion in favour of your request. The request is accordingly declined,” he noted.
Bagbin assured that Parliament would reconvene after the elections to finalize all critical business and ensure a smooth transition to the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.
The Speakers response comes after the New patriotic party in parliament appealed for an emergency recall to address pressing government business.
See the memo below..