The Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has formally requested an emergency recall of Parliament to address critical outstanding public business.
In a memo dated November 22, 2024, Afenyo-Markin noted that the Sixth Meeting of the Fourth Session of Parliament, initially scheduled for November 7, 2024, had adjourned without tackling any government business.
He outlined several urgent matters requiring immediate parliamentary attention, including the approval of tax exemptions under the One District, One Factory Programme and the consideration of the president’s nominations for Supreme Court Justices.
Additional pressing issues on the agenda include the ratification of mining lease agreements and the passage of key legislation such as the Environmental Protection Agency Bill, 2024, and the Free Secondary Education Bill, 2024.
“Reconvening Parliament at this juncture would send a strong message of national unity and institutional stability,” Afenyo-Markin stated in the memo. He added, “It would demonstrate that, even amidst the peak of the electoral season, Parliament remains committed to its constitutional duties and advancing the national interest through bipartisan cooperation.”
The Majority Leader proposed Thursday, November 28, 2024, and Friday, November 29, 2024, for the emergency session, allowing Members of Parliament to return to their constituencies over the weekend to continue campaigning for the December 7 general elections.
Afenyo-Markin also highlighted the importance of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on Article 97 (1) (g) and (h), noting that it provides a fresh opportunity for Parliament to proceed with unity and purpose.
Source:Omanghana.com