The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus in Parliament, led by its leader, Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has opposed a petition to recall Parliament for urgent government business, citing insufficient grounds and the timing as inappropriate with the general elections just 11 days away.
In a memo addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, the NDC Leader in Parliament argued that the petition, submitted by members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus, does not meet constitutional or procedural requirements for recalling Parliament.
Specifically, he noted the absence of signatures from at least 15% of Members of Parliament, as stipulated under Article 112(3) of the Constitution and Standing Order 53(1).
Dr. Forson also dismissed claims of urgency, stating that the proposed business can wait until after the December 7 elections.
“With members deeply engaged in their constituencies ahead of the polls, this recall would disrupt critical electoral preparations, including campaign activities, training of polling agents, and logistical arrangements,” he said.
He criticized the recall proposal as poorly timed, adding that previous emergency sittings this year, initiated by the NPP caucus, often failed to deliver on their stated objectives.
He highlighted a recent recall on November 7, where the NPP side failed to mobilize enough MPs to transact business, leading to an indefinite adjournment.
“Recalling Parliament at this time would disadvantage members and impose an unnecessary burden on taxpayers,” Dr. Forson noted, calling instead for a leadership meeting after the elections to address outstanding matters.
The NDC Leader in Parliament emphasized the need for all stakeholders to focus on ensuring peaceful, credible, and fair elections, warning that a recall could exacerbate tensions and disrupt Ghana’s democratic process.
