The majority Caucus in Parliament has formally petitioned Speaker Alban Bagbin to urgently recall the House to address critical government business left unattended following its indefinite adjournment earlier this month.
Parliament was adjourned on 7 November after Speaker Bagbin suspended proceedings due to the absence of a prepared agenda from the Business Committee. This left MPs without substantive matters to deliberate on.
In a letter dated 22 November 2024, signed by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Caucus proposed 28 and 29 November as suitable dates for the emergency recall. The letter called on Speaker Bagbin to invoke his constitutional powers under Standing Orders 57(3) and 58(4) to reconvene Parliament.
Among the urgent matters listed are the approval of tax exemptions under the One District, One Factory Programme, the ratification of a $250 million facility from the International Development Association, and the consideration of the President’s nominees for the Supreme Court.
The Majority Caucus also highlighted two mining lease agreements requiring ratification. One involves the Ashanti Bauxite Company for operations in the Nyinahini Block 2 Area of the Ashanti Region, while the other concerns Barari DV Ghana Limited’s exploitation of lithium at Essoym in the Central Region.
“These are high-priority issues for government,” Mr Afenyo-Markin stated. He urged Speaker Bagbin to reconvene Parliament, emphasizing that doing so would signal national unity and institutional stability.
“Even as we approach the peak of the electoral season, this would demonstrate Parliament’s steadfastness in its constitutional duties and commitment to advancing the national interest through bipartisan cooperation,” he added.
Parliament’s indefinite suspension has sparked criticism, with some observers questioning the efficiency of the legislature amidst growing national concerns. The proposed recall seeks to address these criticisms and ensure critical governance matters are resolved.
Source:TheDotNews