Parliament is set to reconvene on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 10 a.m., following an announcement by Speaker Alban Bagbin. The new date comes after Bagbin declined an earlier request from Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to recall the House before the December 7 general elections to address urgent legislative matters.
In a statement issued on December 2, Speaker Bagbin explained that the chosen date allows parliamentarians contesting in the elections adequate time to engage with their constituents. The decision aligns with Order 58 of the Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana, which empowers the Speaker to summon the House when necessary. Details of the session’s venue are expected to be communicated shortly.
The Speaker’s decision to postpone the recall had the backing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus, who argued that an earlier session was unnecessary and ill-timed. Nevertheless, Bagbin emphasized his commitment to ensuring critical legislative work is completed before the year’s end.
Reactions to the announcement have been mixed. Some commend the Speaker’s adherence to parliamentary protocols, while others voice concerns over potential delays in addressing urgent government business. With the ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic looming, lawmakers face pressure to efficiently clear the legislative backlog during the December session.
Screenshot of Speaker Bagbin’s post:
