Ghana’s Parliament has addressed allegations that Speaker Alban Bagbin is deliberately delaying the recall of Members of Parliament (MPs) based on his political affiliation.
In a statement released on Thursday, April 18, 2024, the Parliamentary Service clarified that the House is currently in recess with MPs engaging with their constituents, while Bagbin is on an assignment in Dubai.
The statement made it clear that no MP has made a request for an early recall. Parliament expressed its dissatisfaction with external pressure for a recall, labeling it as “frivolous and vexatious” and an unwanted intervention in parliamentary affairs.
“It is important to note that no MP has made a request for a recall, therefore, calls from individuals outside of Parliament for a recall are baseless and amount to interference in the work of Parliament.”
Parliament also recognized the importance of cooperation and consensus-building given its balanced composition, dismissing any suggestions that the Speaker’s reluctance to respond to calls for a recall is linked to his political connections with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“Parliament acknowledges the need for collaboration and consensus-building due to its hung nature, and the Speaker has consistently strived to remain impartial and fair. Therefore, to suggest that the Speaker is ignoring calls for a recall because of his ties to the NDC is unwarranted and regrettable.
“Parliament anticipates reconvening in the latter part of May 2024, barring any emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.”
