Majority files petition for Speaker to summon parliament within 7 days barely 24 hours after adjournment

The Majority Caucus in Parliament has formally petitioned the Speaker of Parliament to summon an extraordinary session of Parliament within seven days.

This request, led by Majority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, indicated that there is a need for the House to consider critical matters which require parliamentary attention.

In a memo sighted by GhanaWeb, it stated, "Respectfully, on behalf of myself and the requisite number of Members of Parliament from the Majority Caucus, I have the honour to address you on a matter of utmost national importance. Per Article 112(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992, and Standing Order 53 of the Parliament of Ghana, we hereby formally requisition an extraordinary session of Parliament."

The petition emphasizes the constitutional and procedural foundations for this request.

The Majority Leader also outlined several urgent government business items that necessitate immediate parliamentary attention.

"Motion on the $250 million Financing Agreement between the Government of Ghana and the International Development Association for the Ghana Energy Sector Recovery Programme. Request for Tax Exemptions for designated beneficiaries under the One District, One Factory Programme. Ghana Financial Stability Fund, an International Development Association facility of $250 million. Various critical bills including the Budget Bill 2023, Rent Bill 2023, University of Local Governance and Development Bill 2024, Environmental Protection Bill 2024, Social Protection Bill 2024, Intestate Succession Bill 2022, Chartered Institute of Reconstruction and Insolvency Practitioners Bill 2023, Ghana Industrial Property Office Bill 2024, and the National Petroleum Authority Bill 2024," the statement said.

Afenyo-Markin added that the recall will fulfil constitutional mandate and serve the interests of the Ghanaian people.

"Mr. Speaker will recall that Parliament adjourned sine die on Tuesday, 30 July 2024, at which time the aforementioned items had been duly advertised and scheduled for consideration. The urgency of these matters necessitates our reconvening to fulfil our constitutional mandate and serve the interests of the Ghanaian people," noted Afenyo-Markin.

Emphasizing the good faith and national interest driving this request, the Majority Leader stressed, "We wish to emphasize that this requisition is made in the utmost good faith and in the national interest, to enable the Government to discharge its constitutional and democratic obligations to the people of Ghana. The matters outlined herein are of pressing importance and require the urgent attention of Parliament."

He also urged prompt action from the Speaker of Parliament.

"Considering the constitutional and statutory provisions cited above, and in the exercise of our rights as Members of Parliament, we respectfully urge you to summon Parliament for an extraordinary session within the stipulated seven-day period. We stand ready to provide any additional information or clarification that may be required and look forward to your favourable consideration of this request," concluded Afenyo-Markin.

NAY/AE

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