The Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has submitted an urgent memo to the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, requesting the immediate recall of Parliament.
The memo, dated November 22, 2024, highlighted the importance of reconvening Parliament to consider these outstanding matters, which include economic, judicial, and legislative priorities central to Ghana’s governance and development agenda.
The memo emphasized the necessity of addressing a series of critical government business items that remain pending due to the adjournment of the Sixth Meeting of the Fourth Session on November 7th, 2024.
“This recall will send a powerful message of national unity and institutional stability.
“It would demonstrate that, even as we approach the peak of the electoral season, Parliament remains steadfast in its constitutional duties.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business
The Majority Leader emphasized that the reconvening of Parliament would show the electorate that their representatives prioritize the nation’s welfare over partisan interests.
Hon. Afenyo-Markin outlined several pressing issues requiring immediate parliamentary attention.
“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. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business
The Majority Leader indicated that the President’s nominations for new Justices of the Supreme Court remain unconsidered. These appointments are pivotal for maintaining the judiciary’s capacity to adjudicate cases effectively, especially with election-related disputes anticipated in the coming months.
Also, two significant mining agreements await ratification: “Ashanti Bauxite Company Limited for the mining of bauxite in the Nyinahini Block 2 Area in the Atwima Mponua District. Barari DV Ghana Limited for the exploitation of lithium in the Ewoyaa area of the Central Region.”
Legal Provisions for Emergency Recall
The memo referenced Parliamentary Standing Orders 57(3) and 58(4), which empower the Speaker to summon Parliament before its scheduled adjournment or without the usual fourteen-day notice in emergencies.
“Mr Speaker, Order 57(3) provides: ‘The Speaker may, summon a sitting of the House before the date or time to which the House has been adjourned or at any date or time after the House has been adjourned sine die.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business
Further to the above, the Majority Leader cited Order 58(4) which states, “The Speaker shall summon Parliament within a period determined by the Speaker and the requirement for a fourteen-day-notice shall not apply where there is an emergency.”
Citing these provisions, Hon. Afenyo-Markin proposed Thursday, 28th November, and Friday, 29th November 2024, as potential dates for the recall. This schedule would allow Members of Parliament (MPs) to return to their constituencies for campaign activities over the weekend.
The memo also acknowledged the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on Articles 97(1)(g) and (h), which has clarified aspects of parliamentary conduct. Hon. Afenyo-Markin urged MPs to seize this “clean slate” as an opportunity to advance national interests through collaborative action.
“The Supreme Court’s recent ruling provides us with a clean slate to move forward in unity and purpose.
“Let us demonstrate to the people of Ghana that their Parliament can rise above partisan considerations to serve their interests effectively.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business
However, the recall poses challenges. MPs are deeply engaged in campaign activities, and the tight timelines may strain parliamentary operations. Opposition parties may also scrutinize the government’s priorities, potentially delaying consensus on key issues.
The Majority Leader’s request highlighted the delicate balance between political campaigning and governance during an election season. As Ghana’s Parliament deliberates on this recall, its actions will undoubtedly impact the nation’s trajectory in the months ahead.
The outcome will not only shape immediate legislative and economic priorities but also serve as a testament to the resilience of Ghana’s democratic institutions. Whether Parliament can meet this challenge will be a decisive factor in maintaining public trust and fostering national unity.
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