The Second Deputy Chief Whip of NPP Caucus in Parliament, Hon. Djornobuah Alex Tetteh, has formally requested an urgent meeting of Parliament.
The memo, addressed to the Right Hon. Speaker of Parliament, outlined a set of pressing national issues that require immediate deliberation and action. Citing Article 112(3) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and Order 53 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, the Deputy Chief Whip invoked the legal framework necessary for the Speaker to summon a parliamentary session within seven days.
In the memo, Hon. Tetteh meticulously outlines the legal grounds for the recall. According to Article 112(3) of the 1992 Constitution, “Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, fifteen per cent of members of Parliament may request a meeting of Parliament; and the Speaker shall, within seven days after the receipt of the request, summon Parliament.”
This provision allows a minority of MPs to summon the entire Parliament when necessary, emphasizing the importance of minority rights in parliamentary procedure.
The memo further refered to Standing Order 53(1), which reiterates this constitutional provision and grants MPs the power to initiate parliamentary sittings when urgent matters arise.
Standing Order 57(3) allows the Speaker to call for a session even after the House has been adjourned indefinitely or “sine die.” This procedural tool is crucial when national matters require immediate attention and cannot wait until Parliament’s next scheduled sitting.
Standing Order 58(4) exempts the Speaker from the usual 14-day notice period for summoning Parliament when the situation is deemed an emergency. By invoking these provisions, the memo asserted that the issues to be discussed are of national urgency and cannot be postponed.
Urgent Matters for Parliamentary Consideration
The memo listed several key issues that need to be addressed during the requested parliamentary session. Among these are two major economic and social initiatives, as well as critical bills that impact various sectors of governance and the economy.
“Request for Tax Exemptions for designated beneficiaries under the One District, One Factory Programme.
“Ghana Financial Stability Fund, an International Development Association facility of Two Hundred and Fifty Million United States Dollars ($250,000,000).”
Hon. Djornobuah Alex Tetteh, Second Deputy Chief Whip of NPP Caucus
Several bills are listed for urgent consideration, reflecting the breadth of governance issues that require attention.
“Environmental Protection Agency Bill, 2024; Social Protection Bill, 2023; Customs (Amendment) Bill, 2024; Budget Bill, 2023; Ghana Boundary Commission Bill, 2023; Intestate Succession Bill, 2022.”
Hon. Djornobuah Alex Tetteh, Second Deputy Chief Whip of NPP Caucus
The urgency of the request is rooted in the abrupt adjournment of Parliament on October 22, 2024, which left several critical items on the legislative agenda unaddressed.
According to the memo, this adjournment occurred without clear explanation, despite a Supreme Court order emphasizing the need to address the outstanding issues.
Given the national importance of the listed matters, Hon. Tetteh and his colleagues believe that a swift reconvening of Parliament is essential to fulfill the government’s constitutional and democratic duties.
The memo emphasized that the request is made in good faith, with the national interest at heart. It is expected that the Speaker will act within the constitutionally mandated timeframe, convening Parliament to deliberate on these pressing issues.
Should Parliament reconvene as requested, the government will be able to move forward on key programs such as the 1D1F initiative and the Financial Stability Fund, both of which are crucial to Ghana’s economic stability and growth.
Furthermore, the passage of the listed bills will have far-reaching effects on Ghana’s governance and development, touching on areas from environmental protection and social welfare to customs reforms and border management.
The urgent parliamentary recall highlighted the importance of swift legislative action in addressing the pressing needs of the nation.
As Ghana navigates a complex economic and social landscape, the timely and effective functioning of its Parliament remains critical to the country’s progress. The decision now rests with the Right Hon. Speaker, who has seven days to summon Parliament for this special sitting.
READ ALSO: Women Bear The Brunt Of Rising Conflict Casualties
