The Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has formally requested the Speaker of Parliament to recall the House to consider several outstanding government business matters of national importance.
This follows after the Supreme Court overturned the Speaker of Parliament’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant. The court, in a 5-2 majority decision, sided with the plaintiff, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, determining that the Speaker’s declaration exceeded his jurisdiction.
The Sixth Meeting of the Fourth Session of Parliament, initially scheduled for November 7, 2024, adjourned without addressing critical items on the government’s agenda.
In his letter to the Speaker, Hon. Afenyo-Markin highlighted a range of pressing issues that require parliamentary attention before the upcoming December 7 general elections. These include:
- Tax Exemptions for beneficiaries under the One District, One Factory Programme.
- Approval of the Ghana Financial Stability Fund, a $250 million International Development Association facility.
- Consideration of the President’s Supreme Court nominations.
- Ratification of two key mining lease agreements for bauxite and lithium exploration in the Ashanti and Central Regions, respectively.
- Several bills, including the Environmental Protection Agency Bill, Social Protection Bill, Budget Bill, and various university establishment bills, among others.
The Majority Leader emphasized the urgency of these matters, citing their potential impact on national development and institutional stability.
“Reconvening Parliament at this juncture would send a powerful message of national unity and institutional stability,” he stated, adding that bipartisan cooperation would demonstrate Parliament’s commitment to its constitutional duties despite the ongoing electoral season.
Hon. Afenyo-Markin invoked Parliamentary Standing Orders 57(3) and 58(4), which allow the Speaker to summon an emergency sitting without the standard 14-day notice.
He proposed Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29, 2024, as suitable dates for the recall, ensuring Members of Parliament can resume their constituency campaigns over the weekend.
The Majority Leader also referenced the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on Article 97 (1) (g) and (h) of the Constitution, describing it as an opportunity for Parliament to move forward with unity and purpose.
He urged the House to rise above partisan considerations to address these critical issues in the national interest.
The Speaker’s decision on this request is eagerly awaited, as the nation watches how Parliament navigates its responsibilities during this critical period.
