Alban Bagbin
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, has rejected a request for an emergency meeting by the Majority Caucus, citing logistical challenges and a lack of urgency in the matters presented.
The request, made by the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, sought to recall Parliament, which had been adjourned sine die on July 30, 2024.
Request
On July 31, 2024, the Majority Caucus of Parliament formally requested an extraordinary session of Parliament, citing urgent government business that requires immediate attention.
According to a memo addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, the request is made pursuant to Article 112(3) of the Constitution and Standing Order 53, which empowers at least 15% of Members of Parliament to request a meeting of Parliament.
The urgent matters slated for consideration include a financing agreement with the International Development Association, tax exemptions for beneficiaries under the One District, One Factory Programme, and several bills, including the Budget Bill, 2023, and the Environmental Protection Bill, 2024.
The Majority Caucus justified the request, emphasising the pressing importance of these matters and the need for Parliament to fulfil its constitutional mandate and serve the interests of the Ghanaian people.
Speaker’s Response
But the Speaker, in a statement released on August 7, 2024, explained that the request did not meet the threshold set by Article 112 of the Constitution and Order 53 of the Standing Orders of Parliament.
“It is worth noting, however, that while the Constitution provides that ‘the Speaker shall, within seven days after the receipt of the request, summon Parliament’, it is the Standing Orders which provides that Parliament shall convene within seven days after the issuance of the notice of summon,” Mr. Bagbin noted.
He argued that the same Standing Orders empower the Speaker to interpret the Standing Orders in consonance with the Constitution.
“In this instance, the Constitution doesn’t prescribe the date for the meeting of the House after the issuance of the notice of summons.
“It is my considered view that in interpreting the Orders, the Speaker must consider the context and practical realities of the situation. This approach aligns with the modern approach for interpreting statutes, which emphasises understanding the purpose and practical implications of the law,” he intimated.
Speaker Bagbin again contended that the matters outlined in the request, including the $250 million International Development Agency (IDA) financing agreement, were already under consideration by Parliament before the adjournment.
The Speaker also noted that the Chamber of Parliament is currently undergoing renovation, making it unavailable for use.
Alternative venues, such as the Accra International Conference Centre, are also not suitable due to their poor state.
Given these practical challenges, the Speaker has summoned Parliament to meet on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at a venue to be communicated later.
This decision ensures that sufficient time is allowed for preparations and that the meeting is conducted in a suitable environment.
The Speaker assured the public of his commitment to his oath of office and to discharging his duties faithfully and conscientiously.
By Ernest Kofi Adu