The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has officially summoned members of Parliament to reconvene on November 7, 2024, to address pressing legislative matters. The recall is pursuant to Article 112(3) of the Constitution and Parliament’s Standing Orders.
In a notice signed on October 31, Speaker Bagbin scheduled the session for 10:00 a.m. at the Grand Arena, Accra International Conference Centre. This follows a request from the Majority Caucus to prioritize urgent government business.
Reasons for the Recall
The Majority Caucus, through a memorandum led by Alex Tetteh Djornobuah, the Second Deputy Majority Chief Whip and MP for Sefwi Akontombra, urged the Speaker to bring Parliament back into session to address three primary issues:
1. Approval of tax exemptions for designated beneficiaries under the One District One Factory (1D1F) program.
2. Deliberation on a $250 million facility from the International Development Association to support the Ghana Financial Stability Fund.
3. Debate on six critical bills, including the Environmental Protection Agency Bill, 2024; Social Protection Bill, 2023; Customs (Amendment) Bill, 2024; Budget Bill, 2023; Ghana Boundary Commission Bill, 2023; and Intestate Succession Bill, 2022.
“We respectfully request that these government business items be prioritized during the recalled session, along with any other critical matters that may arise,” the memorandum stated.
Context of the Request
Djornobuah highlighted that Parliament’s recent adjournment left key government initiatives pending. He referenced a Supreme Court order affecting the composition of the House, which led to the Speaker’s indefinite adjournment without further explanation.
The Majority Caucus emphasized that the request is made “in the national interest” to allow government business to proceed, invoking Article 112(3) of the 1992 Constitution, which enables 15% of MPs to request a session, requiring the Speaker to convene Parliament within seven days of such a request.
Legal and Procedural Basis
Parliament’s Standing Orders 53(1), 53(2), and 57(3) provide the Speaker with authority to summon sessions when required by a sufficient number of MPs or in emergencies. Standing Order 58(4) also allows the Speaker discretion to waive the 14-day notice period in urgent circumstances.
Adjournment Due to Court Order
Parliament was adjourned sine die last week after the Speaker acknowledged a Supreme Court order that impacted the seats of four MPs. These MPs—Cynthia Morrison (Agona West, NPP), Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah (Amenfi Central, NDC), Kwadwo Asante (Suhum, NPP), and Andrew Asiamah Amoako (Fomena, Independent)—are running in the 2024 elections with new political affiliations, leading the Speaker to declare their seats vacant under Article 97(1)(g) and (h).
Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin challenged this decision at the Supreme Court, which issued a stay on the Speaker’s ruling until a final verdict is reached.
What to Expect
The November 7 session offers an opportunity for Parliament to address critical issues impacting the nation’s governance and economic stability. MPs are expected to prioritize the outlined government business and resolve pending legislative matters.
