Speaker Alban Bagbin Rejects Majority’s Call for Emergency Parliamentary Session Before Elections

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has declined a request from the Majority Caucus for Parliament to reconvene ahead of the December elections. The decision was in response to a letter from Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, dated November 22, 2024, proposing an emergency session on November 28 and 29 to address critical government business.

In his memo to the Majority Caucus on November 26, Bagbin emphasized that parliamentary activities would remain suspended until after the elections. He stated, “The House will resume sitting after the elections to complete all essential matters before a seamless transition to the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.”

The Speaker urged members to prioritize national interest and demonstrate “honour, empathy, and humility” in their duties, adding that he was neither inclined nor disposed to grant the request. He reminded Afenyo-Markin that the parliamentary calendar accounts for election campaign periods, a time for political parties and candidates to engage with voters.

Bagbin further noted that this season is critical for the government and political actors to justify their stewardship, stating, “This season is for the government, parties, and both presidential and parliamentary candidates to present their manifestoes to the people and to account and justify the mandate given them by the voters for the four-year term of office.”

The Speaker’s stance underscores the importance of the electoral season in Ghana’s democratic process, ensuring that political actors focus on engaging the electorate ahead of the crucial December polls.