The earlier the 8th parliament clears off, the better for the constitution – Martin Amidu

A former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has criticised the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s proposal to recall Parliament for an emergency session on November 28 and 29, 2024 describing it as pointless.

In a statement issued on Sunday, November 24, 2024, he described the move as unrealistic and a threat to Ghana’s democratic process, arguing that it seeks to prioritise partisan government interests over the concerns of the electorates.

According to him, the memorandum is impractical, especially given the limited time available before the December 7 elections.

"The Majority Leader’s memorandum and request to the Speaker, less than two weeks to the 7 December 2024 elections, is unrealistic considering the business proposed to be transacted within two days unless there is a prior agenda and agreement between the Speaker and the leadership of Parliament to rush through and railroad the important items on the list of Government Business down the throats of Ghanaians," he stated.

He also accused Afenyo-Markin of ignoring critical national issues, stating that the focus on partisan government business demonstrates a disregard for pressing national issues.

"The purposive government mismanagement of the October 2024 Bawku crisis, killing and maiming hundreds of citizens, is not even an agenda item for the Majority Leader," he remarked.

Martin Amidu further argued that beyond approving a provisional budget for the incoming government on January 7, 2025, there is no pressing need for Parliament to reconvene.

"Abridging the fourteen days to recall Parliament before 7 December 2024 for a two-day session is an unnecessary drain on public funds," he added.

He stressed the need for greater transparency and a focus on the public good as the election approaches.

"The earlier the 8th Parliament clears off from the political scene, the better for the 1992 Constitution," he declared, emphasising the electorate’s growing dissatisfaction. "Thank God, the 7 December 2024 election is just a stone’s throw away to save the disappointed people of Ghana."

Afenyo-Markin has requested that the Speaker of Parliament reconvenes the House before the end of November.

In a memo to the Speaker, he stated that the recall would enable the House to consider some critical matters essential to the government's operations.

“I must emphasise, respectfully, that these are high-priority businesses for government,” the legislator added.

Read the full statement below:



JKB/ ADG

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