Parliament will reopen after everyone has seen their smoothness level on December 7 – Mahama

The Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has stated that Members of Parliament from his party will not honour any recall of the legislature until after the 2024 general elections.

Speaking at a campaign rally in the Western Region, the former president stressed the NDC's position against a recall of the House as requested by the New Patriotic Party Caucus.

“Now they want Parliament to be recalled for deliberations just 12 days before the elections – you say we should stop campaigning and come to Parliament. If they like, they should go, but the NDC will not go to Parliament. After we finish voting and we see the smoothness level, we will open Parliament for all to come," he was quoted as saying in a report by myjoyonline.com.

Following the decision by a Supreme Court panel annulling the Speaker’s declaration of four seats in Parliament as vacant, the NPP Caucus filed a request urging a recall of the House to conduct what it described as urgent government businesses.

They suggested in their request that the House be recalled for sittings on November 28 and November 29, 2024.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, in a response published by the media on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, has declined their request.

According to Bagbin, in a memo to the caucus on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, summoning the House just a few days before the elections would not be in the nation's best interest.

He explained that the parliamentary calendar acknowledges election campaign periods, during which the government and Members of Parliament present their manifestos and hold themselves accountable to Ghanaians for the mandate they have been given.

“Again, as you are aware, the parliamentary calendar acknowledges election campaign periods. This season is for the Government, Parties, and both presidential and parliamentary candidates to present their manifestos to the people, and to account for and justify how the mandate given them by the voters for the four-year term of office has been applied to the benefit of the people,” parts of the memo read.

Bagbin further noted that the proposed two days (November 28 and 29) suggested by the Leader of Government Business, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, would not be sufficient for the House to address the twenty-two urgent items on the agenda.

“It is worth noting that, having regard to the practice and deliberations of the House, I wonder how the proposed twenty-two items could be transacted within two days.

“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,” he stated.

In conclusion, Alban Bagbin said, “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.”

GA/AE

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