Speaker Reconvenes Parliament For Emergency Sittings on 17th May

In a surprise move, Speaker of Parliament, Alban Suman Bagbin, has announced the recall of Members of Parliament from recess for an emergency sitting.

This decision comes after a petition from the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, requesting the sitting to consider outstanding government business.

According to Article 112(3) and Order 53 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, the Majority Leader is authorized to request Parliament’s recall when 15% or more of the House members agree.

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The Majority Leader’s letter to the Speaker cited these provisions, emphasizing the importance of addressing key government business items.

The Office of the Speaker of Parliament has issued a statement confirming the recall, stating that the House will sit on Friday, May 17.

The Majority Caucus is seeking to address several pressing issues, including the adoption of the Thirty-Fourth Report of the Appointments Committee and a motion on additional financing.

Additionally, the caucus wants Parliament to consider a motion for an “Additional Financing Agreement between GoG and the IDA for an amount of US$150 million to finance the ongoing Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project” and also a “Request for Tax Exemption for selected beneficiaries under the 1D1F Programme.”

In a statement, the Majority Leader emphasized the importance of recalling Parliament to enable the government to discharge its constitutional and democratic obligations to the people of Ghana.

He said, “Mr Speaker, it is important to state that this request is being brought in good faith to enable Government to discharge its constitutional and democratic obligations to the people of Ghana.”

The exact agenda for the emergency sitting has not been disclosed, but it is clear that urgent government business will be addressed.

As Parliament reconvenes, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these critical issues are addressed.

The Overview Of  Speaker Of Parliament and His Duties.

The Speaker of Parliament in Ghana is the presiding officer of the Ghanaian Parliament, responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the House. The duties of the Speaker of Parliament include:

1. Presiding Officer: The Speaker is responsible for presiding over sittings of Parliament and maintaining order in the House.

2. Setting the Agenda: The Speaker is responsible for determining the topic of the day for parliamentary debates and discussions.

3. Conducting Proceedings: The Speaker conducts proceedings in the House, ensuring that debates are conducted in a fair and orderly manner.

4. Maintaining Order: The Speaker is responsible for maintaining order in the House, ensuring that members respect each other and follow parliamentary rules.

5. Recognizing Members: The Speaker recognizes members who wish to speak during debates, ensuring that all members have an opportunity to contribute.

6. Ruling on Points of Order: He makes decisions on points of order raised by members, ensuring that parliamentary rules are followed.

7. Maintaining Confidentiality: The Speaker maintains confidentiality on matters discussed in Parliament, except as required by law.

8. Signing Bills into Law: The Speaker signs bills into law after they have been passed by Parliament and assented to by the President.

9. Representing Parliament : The Speaker represents Parliament in national and international forums, promoting the interests of Ghana and its people.

10. Appointing Committee Members: The Speaker appoints members to parliamentary committees, ensuring that these committees are composed of representatives from both sides of the House.

These duties are essential to ensuring the effective functioning of Ghana’s Parliament and promoting good governance in the country.

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