The call for an emergency sitting of Parliament by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration on the vacant seats controversy. With the NPP now restored as the majority caucus, Afenyo-Markin highlights the urgency of addressing six critical government matters and 17 pending bills that require immediate attention.
Among the pressing government matters are tax exemptions for beneficiaries under the One District, One Factory Programme, approval of a $250 million Ghana Financial Stability Fund from the International Development Association, consideration of the President’s nominations for Supreme Court Justices, and ratification of mining lease agreements for Ashanti Bauxite Company Ltd. and Barari DV Ghana Ltd.
Additionally, there are 17 pending bills awaiting Parliament’s consideration, including the Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2024, Social Protection Bill 2023, Intestate Succession Bill 2022, and University of Sports for Development Bill 2024. Afenyo-Markin stresses the importance of recalling Parliament to address these crucial matters, especially as Ghana approaches the upcoming general elections on December 7th.
In his petition to Speaker Bagbin, Afenyo-Markin underscores the significance of Parliament remaining steadfast in its constitutional duties and advancing the national interest through bipartisan cooperation. He urges the Speaker to exercise his authority under Orders 57(3) and 58(4) to facilitate the recall, emphasizing that these issues are high-priority business for the government.
However, the NDC MPs have indicated their intention to boycott any emergency recall, with National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia directing NDC MPs to abstain from the sitting, citing it as a waste of state resources. Despite this opposition, Afenyo-Markin remains firm in his call for Parliament to reconvene and address the critical matters at hand.
The petition submitted by Afenyo-Markin serves as a reminder of the importance of parliamentary oversight and legislative action in driving national development and governance. As the political landscape in Ghana evolves, the need for bipartisan cooperation and decisive decision-making remains paramount in ensuring the country’s progress and stability.
