Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has condemned the Majority Caucus’s invocation of Article 112(3) of the 1992 Constitution to recall Parliament from recess. According to him, to exercise this option a day after the House adjourned Sine Die is unfortunate and in bad faith.
Delivering his opening remarks at the 2nd recall of Parliament at the behest of the Majority leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin on Tuesday 3rd September 2024, the Speaker emphasized that while the request was constitutionally valid, it raised broader concerns about governance and the legislative process.
He warned that repeated use of this provision disrupts the legislative process and governance and stressed that Parliament should be recalled only when an exceptional and urgent business arises and requires Parliament’s immediate attention.
“The frequent invocation of Article 112(3) within a session of Parliament should be of concern to all of us. Parliament should be recalled only when an exceptional or urgent matter or business arises and requires Parliament’s immediate attention,” the Speaker stated.
Hon. Alban Bagbin stressed that the adjournment of Parliament on 30th July 2024 was not sudden but pre-planned, and the recall could have been avoided.
According to him, the frequent recalls strain national resources, disrupt legislative planning, and potentially ‘turn the good intentions of the Constitution drafters into a horror movie.’
The Speaker admitted three motions for consideration, along with a $250 million IDA financing agreement, tax waivers, and a possible reconsideration of a previous decision made on July 30.
He acknowledged that while these matters were pressing, their urgency had to be weighed carefully before recalling Parliament.
He called on the House to deliberate on setting preconditions for the future use of Article 112(3), ensuring that recalls are reserved for genuinely urgent situations.
Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, defended the decision to recall Parliament, stating that the move was necessary to address urgent national assignments.
Responding to the Speaker’s assertions he emphasized that the request was made in good faith, despite disagreement, stressing that the decision was well-grounded in necessity.
Related posts:
Speaker threatens to haul Education Minister to Privileges Committee over SHS 1 reopening date
Parliament clarifies misrepresentations of Speaker’s acknowledgement of Chief of Staff during SONA
NDC Women Caucus in Parliament rally behind Prof. Jane Naana as Mahama running mate
NDC women in Parliament clash with Wontumi for disparaging comments on Prof. Jane Naana
