Speaker Bagbin declines Afenyo-Markin's request to reconvene Parliament before elections

Nov 27, 2024 - 13:58

Alban Bagbin is Ghana's speaker of Parliament

Ghana's Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has rejected a request by the Majority Caucus to reconvene the House ahead of the December elections.

The caucus, led by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, had appealed for an emergency recall to address pressing government business, proposing November 28 and 29 as potential dates for the session.

However, Bagbin maintained that parliamentary activities will remain on hold until after the elections, citing the need to allow government, parties, and candidates to focus on their election campaigns.

In a memo to the majority dated Nov 26, Bagbin emphasized the importance of members conducting themselves with honor, empathy, and humility during this period.

“The House will resume sitting after the elections to complete all essential matters before a seamless transition to the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.”

“The national interest would better be served if members exhibit conduct of honour, empathy, and humility in the performance of their duties. In the circumstances, I am neither inclined nor disposed to exercise my discretion in favour of your request. The request is accordingly declined.”

“This season is for the government, parties, and both presidential and parliamentary candidates to present their manifestoes to the people and to account and justify the mandate given them by the voters for the four-year term of office has been applied to the benefit of the people,” he added.

Find the Memo from Speaker Bagbin below.