Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, has issued a caution to Members of Parliament (MPs) regarding the frequent invocation of Article 112(3) of the 1992 Constitution to summon Parliament outside of its regular schedule.
The warning was delivered during an extraordinary sitting on Tuesday, marking the second recall of Parliament in recent times. This session comes at a crucial moment as MPs are deeply engaged in campaigns ahead of the December 7, 2024, general elections.
In his opening remarks, Speaker Bagbin commended the Ghana National Fire Service for their swift response to a recent fire incident at Job 600, the office complex within Parliament House.
He stressed the importance of adhering to safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Speaker also extended his appreciation to the participants of the recently concluded Speaker’s Seminal Lecture in Tamale.
He highlighted the success of the event and praised the involvement of various stakeholders, including chiefs, academics, public servants, NGOs, and students, in fostering trust in the electoral process.
Addressing the reasons behind the recall, Speaker Bagbin explained that his office received a request on July 31, 2024, to reconvene Parliament, supported by more than the required 15% of MPs. This request came just a day after the House had been adjourned sine die on July 30, 2024.
Clarifying the circumstances, the Speaker noted that the decision to adjourn Parliament was not made unilaterally but was in line with the Parliamentary Calendar and had been agreed upon in pre-sitting meetings with parliamentary leaders.
He emphasized that the adjournment had been communicated clearly and consistently during the sessions on July 6, 11, 25, and 26, with official records corroborating this.
Despite the efforts to conclude parliamentary business before the scheduled adjournment, some matters remained unresolved, leading to the recall.
The Speaker expressed concern over the timing of the recall, describing it as “unfortunate and in bad faith,” though he acknowledged his constitutional duty to comply with the request under Article 112(3).
Article 112(3) of the Constitution permits 15% of MPs to request a meeting of Parliament, with the Speaker required to summon the House within seven days of receiving such a request.
However, Speaker Bagbin urged that this provision be used only in cases of exceptional or urgent matters, cautioning against its misuse, which could disrupt Parliament’s budget, workflow, and overall productivity.
“We must consider the broader context in which these provisions are intended to operate and legislate to set down the preconditions under which the Article could apply,” Speaker Bagbin stated, highlighting the potential negative impacts of frequent recalls.
Today’s session was held in a temporary dome rather than the usual chamber due to ongoing structural repairs and upgrades to Parliament’s audio-visual equipment.
These improvements are part of the preparations for the transition to the next Parliament of the 4th Republic, scheduled to be sworn in on January 7, 2025.
The Speaker concluded his address by inviting MPs to consider, at a later date, the appropriateness of frequent recalls under Article 112(3), emphasizing the importance of balancing legislative duties with other constitutional responsibilities.
As the December elections approach, this sitting reflects the complex interplay between parliamentary procedures and the demands of governance during an election year.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
