Majority Caucus Pushes for Swift Parliamentary Recall to Address Crucial National Issues

In a decisive move to tackle pressing government business, the Majority Caucus in Parliament has formally petitioned Speaker Alban Bagbin to reconvene the House without delay. Their call for an emergency recall, outlined in a letter dated November 22, 2024, comes amid growing concerns over critical matters requiring urgent parliamentary attention.

This appeal follows Parliament’s indefinite adjournment on November 7, triggered by the lack of a prepared agenda from the Business Committee. The absence of substantive issues for discussion left the legislative body at a standstill, drawing criticism over delays in addressing the country’s most urgent matters.

Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who signed the petition, proposed November 28 and 29, 2024, as appropriate dates for the recall. In his letter, he emphasized the need for Speaker Bagbin to exercise his constitutional authority under Standing Orders 57(3) and 58(4) to summon Members of Parliament back to the Chamber.

Key Issues on the Agenda

At the heart of the Majority Caucus’s request are several high-priority issues, including:

• Approval of Tax Exemptions for beneficiaries under the One District, One Factory Programme.
• Authorization of the $250 Million Ghana Financial Stability Fund, backed by the International Development Association.
• Consideration of Supreme Court Nominees, submitted by the President for parliamentary approval.
• Ratification of Key Mining Lease Agreements, involving the Ashanti Bauxite Company Limited for operations in Nyinahini Block 2, and Barari DV Ghana Limited for lithium extraction at Essoym in the Central Region.

“These matters represent urgent business for the government and the nation. Their resolution is critical for Ghana’s economic stability and institutional progress,” Afenyo-Markin stated.

A Call for Unity and Institutional Stability

Afenyo-Markin also highlighted the symbolic importance of reconvening Parliament during this pivotal moment, especially as the nation gears up for an election year.

“Recalling the House now would send a strong message of unity and stability. It would reaffirm Parliament’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its constitutional duties, even in the face of political transitions,” he noted.

Recent Tensions in Parliament

The call for an emergency recall comes against a backdrop of frustration within the legislature. Speaker Bagbin had earlier expressed disappointment when members of the Majority Caucus failed to attend a proposed session aimed at addressing similar urgent matters. He emphasized the need for proper coordination, insisting that parliamentary proceedings cannot proceed without committee input and a clear agenda.

The Majority Caucus’s renewed push underscores the urgency of resolving legislative bottlenecks that have stalled critical government initiatives. With the proposed dates for the recall just days away, the ball is now in Speaker Bagbin’s court to act decisively in the national interest.

Below is the statement: