Parliament to resume sitting on December 16

Parliament is set to resume on December 16, 2024, as announced by Speaker Alban Bagbin in a statement on Monday, December 2.

The statement, referencing Order 58 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, declared:

“Pursuant to Order 58 of the Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana, I, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, hereby give notice that the seventh meeting of the fourth session of the eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic shall commence on Monday, the 16th day of December 2024, at Ten o’clock in the forenoon at a place to be appointed by the Speaker in due course.”

Parliament had been adjourned indefinitely on November 7, following Speaker Bagbin’s decision to suspend proceedings due to the absence of a prepared agenda from the Business Committee. At the time, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin had petitioned the Speaker to recall the House to address 22 items of urgent government business.

In his response, Speaker Bagbin declined the request, citing the proximity of the proposed dates to the December 7 general elections. He noted that interrupting election campaigns for a recall to Parliament would not serve the national interest.

“The parliamentary calendar acknowledges election campaign periods, a time for parties and candidates to engage voters. Considering Article 296 (a) and (b) of the Constitution and the closeness of your proposed dates to the election, I believe it would be inappropriate to summon members at this time,” the Speaker wrote.

He further argued that the proposed agenda could not realistically be addressed within the two-day sitting suggested by Afenyo-Markin.

Speaker Bagbin reassured that Parliament would reconvene after the elections to handle essential business before transitioning to the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

The December 16 resumption is expected to address these outstanding matters, ensuring a seamless parliamentary transition ahead of the new session.