In a recent development, Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, has directed lawmakers to reconvene on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. This decision comes in the wake of a petition from the majority leader, dated July 31, 2024, urging an immediate recall of Members of Parliament (MPs) to address pressing legislative matters. The Speaker cited the unavailability of the parliamentary chamber as the primary reason for the delay, stating that efforts are underway to secure an alternative venue.
The majority leader expressed discontent with the Speaker’s move to indefinitely adjourn parliamentary sessions on July 30, 2024, especially with several critical bills still awaiting parliamentary approval. Among the key issues left unresolved are the Financing Agreement between the Government of Ghana and the International Development Association (IDA), tax exemptions under the One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative, and matters related to the Ghana Financial Stability Fund.
In response to the petition, Speaker Bagbin noted that upon review, the issues outlined did not meet the criteria for an emergency recall under Article 112 of the Ghanaian Constitution. He emphasized that many of the listed items, such as the $250 million IDA financing agreement, had already been tabled for discussion before the parliamentary recess.
Bagbin further pointed out that since the bills in question were already under deliberation—some even rejected during prior sessions—there was no compelling reason for an urgent recall of Parliament. Additionally, he highlighted the logistical challenge of the chamber’s unavailability, a factor that significantly influenced his decision to defer the session until September.
The Speaker assured MPs that the search for an appropriate meeting venue continues, and once a suitable location is identified, the necessary arrangements will be communicated. Until then, the legislative body is expected to resume its functions at the beginning of September, pending the availability of a proper venue.
