Parliament has shut down rumors that Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, is deliberately avoiding recalling the House for his personal gain. In a recent statement released on Thursday, April 18, the legislative body dismissed such claims as baseless and unwarranted.
The statement emphasized the importance of collaboration and consensus-building on both sides of the political spectrum due to the evenly split nature of the House. It reiterated that the Speaker has always strived to maintain a neutral and fair approach in his leadership.
Addressing speculations circulating on social media about the Speaker’s whereabouts, Parliament clarified that he is currently leading a parliamentary delegation at the International Renewable Energy Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The House is currently on recess in accordance with its calendar and Standing Order 57, which allows for suspension and adjournment.
Parliament highlighted that Members of Parliament have the established procedures to communicate with the Speaker if there is a need to recall the House during a recess. It emphasized that no such request has been made by any MP, and therefore, external calls for a recall are deemed frivolous and unwarranted meddling in parliamentary affairs.
Moreover, Parliament cited Order 12(4) and Order 52 of the Standing Order, which state that the presence of the Speaker or his deputies is not always required for parliamentary sessions, especially in today’s virtual world. It also projected a possible reconvening of the House in the latter part of May 2024, barring any emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.
