The Director of the Media Relations Department of the Parliament of Ghana in a press release has addressed the social media rumor that asked where Speaker of the House Rt Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin was. The narrative aimed to cast the Speaker and Parliament in a bad light by suggesting that the Speaker’s absence from the jurisdiction is misguided.
Parliament is currently on recess in line with its Calendar and Standing Order 57 which provides for the suspension and adjournment of the House. During such times, Members and officials of Parliament can interact with their constituents and attend to other assignments, in line with their Parliamentary duties. This includes international assignments.
“The Rt Hon Speaker is currently leading a parliamentary delegation at the International Renewal Energy Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It must be noted that Parliament as an arm of government, is a rule-based institution and Members of Parliament are aware of the established procedures to communicate with the Rt Hon Speaker if need be.”
Kate Addo, Director of Public Affairs of the Parliament of Ghana
The Director noted that if there is a need for Members to request a recall of Parliament during a recess, Order 53 of the Standing Orders provides that, “15% of Members of Parliament may request a meeting of Parliament and the Speaker shall within 7 days after receipt of the request, summon Parliament.”
The Director further emphasized that no such request has been made by any Member of Parliament and so, the calls for a recall of Parliament by persons outside of Parliament is frivolous and vexatious and amounts to meddling in the work of Parliament.
According to Standing Order 12(4), Parliament can convene without the Speaker’s presence, ensuring that the legislative process can continue smoothly. Additionally, Order 52 permits virtual sittings, which is particularly relevant in today’s digital age where physical presence is not always a requirement. This flexibility in the legislative process underscores the adaptability of the Parliament to modern challenges and circumstances, ensuring that the legislative work can proceed efficiently regardless of the Speaker’s physical availability.
The absence of the Speaker of the House does not significantly affect the legislative process in the Parliament of Ghana. The Speaker’s primary role is to preside over Parliament, enforce observance of all rules that govern its conduct, and summon a new session of Parliament. However, the legislative process is not solely dependent on the Speaker’s presence. Parliament can convene without the Speaker, and the legislative work can proceed under the guidance of the Deputy Speaker or other designated officers.
“Parliament is aware of the need for collaboration and consensus building because of its hung nature and the Speaker, has sought throughout his tenure, to remain neutral and fair in his dealings. Therefore, insinuating that the Speaker is not heeding calls for a recall because of his political allegiance to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is unfounded and unfortunate.”
Kate Addo, Director of Public Affairs of the Parliament of Ghana
The Director indicated that unless there is an emergency or other unanticipated situation, it is expected to meet again in late May of 2024. For the good of the country, Parliament reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the institution’s rule-based structure and promoting efficient government.
While the Speaker plays a critical role in the legislative process, the absence of the Speaker does not halt the legislative work. The Parliament of Ghana has mechanisms in place to ensure that the legislative process can continue under the leadership of other officers and through the work of committees.
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