The Minority Caucus in Parliament, led by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has formally petitioned Speaker Alban Bagbin to dismiss a request from the Majority Caucus to reconvene Parliament on November 28 and 29, 2024.
Majority’s Recall Request
The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, initiated the recall through a memo dated November 22, 2024, following Parliament’s indefinite adjournment on November 7.
- The adjournment occurred due to the Business Committee’s failure to prepare an agenda, prompting Speaker Bagbin to suspend proceedings.
The Majority’s recall aims to reconvene Parliament for unspecified business during the proposed dates.
Minority’s Opposition
- Constitutional and Procedural Violations
- The Minority argued that the recall fails to meet the legal thresholds outlined in Article 112(3) of the Constitution and Order 53(1) of the Standing Orders, which require the support of at least 15% of MPs for a valid recall.
- Without this procedural backing, the Minority claims the recall is illegitimate.
- Timing and Necessity Concerns
- The Minority criticized the recall as “ill-fated and ill-timed,” emphasizing its disruptive impact on MPs’ engagements with constituents.
- They noted logistical and accessibility challenges posed by MPs traveling from “difficult and hard-to-reach constituencies” to Accra.
- They further questioned the urgency of the recall, arguing the Majority had not demonstrated any pressing national emergency or critical need for immediate parliamentary action.
- Risk of Precedent
- The Minority warned that granting the recall could set a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to future abuse of parliamentary processes.
Appeal to Speaker Bagbin
The Minority urged Speaker Bagbin to act in line with fairness and propriety, rejecting the recall request to uphold the integrity of parliamentary procedures.
They contended that such a decision would reinforce the independence of the legislature and safeguard against unnecessary disruptions.
The Minority’s firm opposition highlights deepening tensions between the two sides of Parliament. Speaker Bagbin’s decision will have significant implications for parliamentary operations and the balance of power in the lead-up to Ghana’s 2024 general elections.
