Why NPP MPs Requested Emergency Recall of Parliament

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Caucus has submitted a request to the Speaker of Parliament, seeking to summon Parliament to attend to pressing government business on October 23, 2024.

This request, made through a memorandum addressed to the Speaker, highlights three critical matters necessitating immediate attention. These include six bills and additional legal grounds supporting the request to reconvene Parliament.

“We respectfully request that, upon recall of the House, the following urgent Government Business be deliberated upon and transacted, including any other business that comes before the House.”

Signed by the Second Deputy Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Sefwi Akontombra, Alex Tetteh Djornobuah, the memorandum emphasizes the urgency of these matters and the need for prompt action.

The memorandum also references relevant legal provisions, including Article 112(3) of the 1992 Constitution and Standing Orders 53, 57(3), and 58(4).

These provisions empower fifteen percent of Members of Parliament to request a meeting of Parliament, which the Speaker must summon within seven days.

The NPP Caucus has collected signatures from 83 members, exceeding the required fifteen percent, to trigger this recall.

“Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, fifteen per cent 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.”

Exactly seven days after the fifth meeting of the fourth session of Parliament commenced, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, adjourned the House indefinitely over the majority status.

Due to the Supreme Court’s order to hold off on the matter, which had caused a commotion in the political arena, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings shortly after taking his seat in the chamber.

Source:opemsuo.com