The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has expressed his disappointment in the Majority in Parliament, saying the caucus’ recall of Parliament was done in bad faith.
According to the Speaker, although the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin, in recalling the House noted that there were some urgent matters the House needs to attend to, including the approval of loans and taxes.
However, Speaker Bagbin says the business being considered are not urgent as Afenyo-Markin indicated.
The recall was initiated by the Majority Leader, Afenyo Markin, who revoked Article 112(3) of the 1992 Constitution and Order 53(2) of the Standing Orders of Parliament.
Addressing the House Tuesday, September 03, 2024, The Rt. Hon. Speaker stated that the call was made in bad faith.
“…Despite the efforts of the house, some businesses could not be completed and I indicated to the house my no objection to the house being recalled to mid-September under article 112(3). To exercise this option immediately a day after this adjournment is, to say the least, unfortunate and in bad faith,” he said.
He, however, clarified that he is obligated to recall the House once Article 112(3) has been invoked.
Article 112(3) of the Constitution states: “Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article, fifteen percent of Members of Parliament may request a meeting of Parliament, and the Speaker shall, within seven days, after the receipt of the request, summon Parliament.”
Meanwhile, the Speaker has cautioned against the frequent revocation of the Article, highlighting the need to have a broader consideration of the context in which they operate.
The Speaker has suggested for a legislation to be passed to outline some preconditions under which the Article could be applied.
He noted that the frequent application of Article 112(3) to keep Parliament running always, may likely inhibit legislators from performing other constitutional duties required of them.
“A frequent revocation of Article 1123 particularly in a house such as this 8th parliament could pose challenges to the governance of the country. The good intentions of the drafters of the constitution could be turned into a horror movie,” he warned.
The Speaker had earlier raised concerns over the recall when it was first made by the Majority Leader.
Source:onuaonline.com