The Vice Chairman of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team, Hon. Nana Akomea has agreed with the speakers’ decision not to recall Parliament despite countless tension from the Majority leader of government business.
In an interview, he weighed on the upcoming elections, parliamentary business, and the implications of the Supreme Court ruling.
Hon. Nana Akomea began by expressing the enthusiasm surrounding the impending elections.
He highlighted the national anticipation, “The general elections are just around the corner, and the whole country is geared up.”
He also acknowledged the logistical challenges the electoral schedule poses, particularly for Members of Parliament (MPs).
“The timing is a little difficult for members of parliament to stop their campaigns at this time. Voting actually starts on Monday with the special voting I think.”
He then emphasized the need for MPs to monitor the process closely.
Nana Akomea outlined several critical issues pending before Parliament, expressing concern over the limited time available to address them. He identified four key areas requiring urgent attention. He noted;
“The Free SHS bill is pending. Everybody says they want to protect the Free SHS, even the NDC’s John Mahama. Despite the pronouncements that he has made, which he hasn’t renounced, even he says he wants to protect Free SHS.”
Hon. Nana Akomea Vice Chairman of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team
According to Nana Akomea, writing the Free SHS into law is a priority for Parliament.
Environmental Bill Amendment
Moreover, he underscored the importance of stopping mining in areas deemed inappropriate. He charged;
“For me, what is even more important is the amendment to the environmental bill. That is going to stop mining in forest reserves. For me, that is a key one. That instrument has to be laid and has to be in Parliament for 21 days. And it’s critical as far as many Ghanaians are concerned.”
Hon. Nana Akomea Vice Chairman of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team
Nana Akomea revealed that exemptions amounting to $300 million for factories were outstanding which also needs to be addressed. Addressing the urgency of the budget, he said;
“There are also some grants coming in to support the government budget in Q4, the last quarter, which need parliamentary approval. There’s also the budget itself that can allow the government to spend in the first quarter of next year, [from] January to March. Otherwise, the government will not have the authority to even pay salaries.”
Hon. Nana Akomea Vice Chairman of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team
Nana Akomea added, “There’s also a lease agreement that can allow lithium mining to start.”
Acknowledging the limited time before the elections, Nana Akomea highlighted the difficulty of addressing all these issues in the few days remaining.
However, he then suggested a way forward in dealing with the current situation. He asserted;
“The elections should be over by the 9th of next month. Between the 9th [and] 10th, Parliament can easily secure some three weeks because Parliament can actually sit on Saturdays. Parliament can secure some two and a half weeks before the Christmas season break to deal with these matters on an urgent basis.”
Hon. Nana Akomea Vice Chairman of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team
Supreme Court Ruling and Parliamentary Tensions
Nana Akomea attributed the ongoing parliamentary impasse to the Speaker’s viewpoint in the limelight of the Supreme Court ruling. He lamented; ”All of these difficulties were just because Speaker Bagbin did not obey the Supreme Court ruling.”
This issue, according to Nana Akomea, led to confusion regarding seating arrangements in Parliament.
“Parliament is divided into two halves. Which half you sit in depends on whether you are a minority or the majority. This is by convention.”
Hon. Nana Akomea Vice Chairman of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team
Nana Akomea defended the importance of adhering to established parliamentary protocols.
“You cannot sit anywhere in Parliament,” he emphasized. “If the NDC is on this side, I cannot go and sit there.“
He also dismissed criticisms that seating disputes detracted from more pressing legislative matters. He clarified;
“Even if you went and sat in somebody’s place and stood up to speak, you’ll be asked to go back to your seats. The Speaker will say, go back to your place and sit.”
All this business of people sitting in other people’s places is because of the Speaker not giving clarity to the ruling from the Supreme Court.”
Hon. Nana Akomea Vice Chairman of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team
Nana Akomea struck a hopeful note about the post-election period, emphasizing that Parliament would have sufficient time to address pressing issues.
His comments underscore the challenges of balancing electoral responsibilities with parliamentary duties, while also highlighting the need for adherence to proper protocols and respect for judicial rulings.
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