The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called on Speaker Alban Bagbin to dismiss a request by the Majority Caucus to recall Parliament for a sitting on November 28 and 29, 2024.
The recall, initiated by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin through a memo dated November 22, seeks to reconvene the House following its indefinite adjournment on November 7 due to the lack of an agenda from the Business Committee.
In a counter-memo dated November 25, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson challenged the request, questioning its legitimacy and procedural compliance.
Dr. Forson argued that the recall fails to meet the constitutional and procedural thresholds outlined in Article 112 (3) of the Constitution and Order 53(1) of the Standing Orders, which require the signatures of at least 15% of Members of Parliament.
Beyond procedural concerns, the Minority described the recall as “ill-timed,” noting that it would disrupt MPs’ engagements with their constituents and impose logistical difficulties on those from remote constituencies.
The Minority further questioned the necessity of the recall, asserting that the Majority had not demonstrated any pressing national emergency to justify the move.
The Minority urged Speaker Bagbin to prioritize fairness and propriety in his decision, warning against setting a precedent that could lead to the misuse of parliamentary processes.
They emphasized that a rejection of the recall would uphold the integrity of the legislature and ensure that parliamentary procedures are respected.
The decision now rests with Speaker Bagbin, who must weigh the arguments from both sides amid the ongoing parliamentary standoff.
