I can’t recall Parliament due to Dec. 7 elections –Bagbin to NPP Caucus

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has declined the request from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Caucus to reconvene Parliament before the December 7 elections.

The request, led by Efutu Member of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, sought an emergency recall of Parliament to address urgent government business. In a letter dated November 22, 2024, Afenyo-Markin proposed that the session be scheduled for November 28 and 29.

However, Speaker Bagbin emphasized that Parliament would remain in recess until after the elections. In a memo sent to the NPP Caucus on Tuesday, November 26, he stated: “The House will resume sitting after the elections to address all essential matters in preparation for a smooth transition to the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.”

Bagbin further expressed that the national interest would be best served by allowing members to focus on their election duties, urging them to conduct themselves with honor, empathy, and humility during this time. He added, “In light of the circumstances, I am not inclined to grant your request, and it is therefore declined.”

The Speaker also reminded Afenyo-Markin that the parliamentary calendar takes into account election campaign periods, noting that this is a time for the government, political parties, and candidates to engage with the public, present their manifestoes, and justify their actions during their term in office.

Read the memo