The former Majority Leader Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu expressed his concerns regarding the speaker of parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin’s stance on recalling parliament and the amendment of requests made by NPP MPs for an emergency sitting.
Hon. Kyei-Mensah Bonsu looked into the procedural and constitutional dynamics surrounding Bagbin’s recent decisions, especially in light of past rulings on similar issues, raising questions about consistency and the criteria used in determining independent parliamentary MPs.
Meanwhile, 42 NPP MPs appended their signatures to a memo requesting Speaker Alban Bagbin to reconvene parliament after its indefinite suspension.
In response, the majority sent a second request with additional items of government business they wish to address during the session.
This has raised questions about who has the authority to determine what constitutes an emergency matter for recalling parliament.
According to Kyei-Mensah Bonsu, there are longstanding constitutional guidelines on this issue, yet the speaker’s discretionary power remains pivotal.
“Who gets to decide what is an emergency issue in recalling parliament?” Kyei-Mensah Bonsu asked, emphasizing the need for clarity in Bagbin’s approach to ruling on such matters.
Questioning the Speaker’s Consistency
“I told him I disagreed with him,” Kyei-Mensah Bonsu said, recalling his conversation with Ocquaye. The former majority leader explained that he believed the intent to contest as an independent candidate did not automatically equate to a declaration of intent to vacate the parliamentary seat. Bagbin, who was the second deputy speaker at the time, supported this view.
Also, In 2020, Alban Bagbin took the side that you cannot overrule the seats of current MPs just because they had indicated their intention to contest as independent candidates.
…When I disagreed with Professor Ocquaye, I buttress my case with my argument with what had happened in 1993 [precedent to support his argument], and Saint Alban agreed with me.’’
Hon. Osei Kyei- Mensah Bonsu former Majority Leader
Despite Bagbin’s agreement at the time, Mensah Bonsu expressed his confusion over Bagbin’s recent reversal, questioning the rationale behind this “U-turn.”
Importance of Parliamentary Consensus
Emphasizing the role of dialogue in parliamentary decision-making, Kyei-Mensah Bonsu urged the leadership to engage and build consensus on matters affecting the house. He noted the importance of convening parliament not only for urgent matters but also to ensure procedural formalities.
“It’s important for parliament to sit, even if not to transact any business, at least to allow for the running of the days. That’s okay, because we have to satisfy this. Parliament would sit [and] not transact any other business apart from ensuring that the CI will mature in good time to enable us to conduct our elections.”
Hon. Osei Kyei- Mensah Bonsu former Majority Leader
This, according to Kyei-Mensah Bonsu, is one of his “greatest fears,” underscoring the impact procedural delays could have on upcoming elections.
Challenges with Speaker’s Interpretation of Constitutional Provisions
The former majority leader explained a constitutional ambiguity that complicates the recall process. Under current provisions, once a petition is received with the required number of signatures, the law does not specify a timeline for when parliament must be convened.
“The constitution does not provide when parliament should be summoned. it says when he recives it, within seven days he must act to summon parliament, [but he could summon Parliament one month after] “
Hon. Osei Kyei- Mensah Bonsu former Majority Leader
He further noted the challenges this poses, as Bagbin could choose to convene parliament “on December 7 or in November,” adding, “That’s the difficulty,” a challenge that Mensah Bonsu said was addressed by recent amendments to the standing orders, which stipulate that once signatures are gathered, the speaker must act within 14 days in an emergency.
The urgency of Addressing the Boundary Commissions Bill
“[This is] because of what is happening in the north, the Boundary Commissions Bill must be passed expeditiously. The threat coming from the North [ the instability of the Sahel] We need really to have a determination of our boundaries to enable our forces to really protect us, that bill is there. We havent done it, so it’s importmant that we attend to it.”
Hon. Osei Kyei- Mensah Bonsu former Majority Leader
By conveying these thoughts, Hon. Osei Kyei- Mensah Bonsu underscored the importance of proactive legislative action to safeguard national security and address pressing issues. He expressed hope that the leadership of the house would prioritize urgent bills in any emergency session, reflecting his commitment to stability amid geopolitical challenges.
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