Reject NPP MPs’ ‘ill-fated and ill-timed’ recall request -NDC Caucus to Speaker

The NDC Caucus in Parliament has urged Speaker Alban Bagbin to reject the request from New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament (MPs) for the immediate recall of Parliament.

In a memo submitted on Monday, November 25, and signed by the Caucus leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the group argued that the NPP MPs’ recall request did not fulfill the constitutional and procedural requirements outlined in Article 112(3) and Standing Order 53(1) of Parliament.

Dr. Forson asserted that the NPP MPs’ petition did not meet the necessary threshold for such a recall, emphasizing that any request for reconvening Parliament must comply with specific legal criteria, which, in this case, had not been met.

The NDC leader further noted that the Speaker holds the discretion to approve or reject the recall, particularly when the required threshold has not been satisfied. He urged Speaker Bagbin to exercise this discretion and dismiss the petition, arguing that the NPP MPs’ request was inconsistent with Parliament’s standing orders and lacked sufficient justification for the urgent reconvening of the House.

“Respectfully, Mr. Speaker, we submit that, based on the petitioner’s own request, you are not obligated to recall Parliament,” the memo stated. “Additionally, the petitioner has failed to demonstrate any emergency or pressing government business that warrants the recall, especially with just eleven days remaining before the critical 2024 General Election.”

The NPP MPs had previously submitted a petition on November 22, requesting the Speaker to immediately recall Parliament to address important government matters. However, Dr. Forson’s response reflects the opposition’s position, questioning both the urgency and legal foundation for the proposed recall.

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