NPP Leader Pushes for Urgent Recall of Parliament, Claims Speaker’s Adjournment Hurts Economy

In response to Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to indefinitely adjourn parliamentary proceedings, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has announced plans to initiate a recall of Parliament on Wednesday, October 23. The Effutu MP, speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News monitored by adwoaadubianews.com, criticized the Speaker’s move, suggesting it is part of a strategy by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to hinder government business and negatively impact Ghana’s economy.

1. Afenyo-Markin did not mince words, alleging that the NDC, in coordination with Speaker Bagbin, is deliberately obstructing parliamentary processes to weaken the government’s ability to address key economic issues. According to the Majority Leader, the indefinite adjournment is an attempt to derail important legislative work at a critical time for the nation.

“The actions of the Speaker are undermining parliamentary work so that the economy will suffer,” Afenyo-Markin stated. He expressed frustration over the Speaker’s inaction following a Supreme Court ruling and emphasized the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) will not sit idly by. “We will trigger the recall of Parliament, and we will see what he [Bagbin] will do.”

At the heart of the controversy is a recent Supreme Court ruling that reportedly instructed Speaker Bagbin to take action on a disputed matter within the House. The ruling follows a standoff between the NPP and the NDC regarding which caucus holds the majority in Parliament after the Speaker declared several parliamentary seats vacant. Afenyo-Markin accused Bagbin of delaying necessary actions and expressed concerns that the Speaker is acting in the interest of the opposition.

The ongoing power struggle in Parliament intensified after a physical tussle over which caucus should occupy the Majority side of the House. The Speaker’s adjournment came after leadership discussions, though Afenyo-Markin contested the outcome, arguing that it ignored the Supreme Court ruling and the NPP’s rightful claim to the majority side.

During a meeting with Bagbin, Afenyo-Markin raised concerns about NDC MPs taking the NPP’s seats in the chamber. Bagbin deflected responsibility, stating that the seating arrangement falls under the Clerk’s purview, a response that further aggravated tensions.

Determined not to allow further delays, Afenyo-Markin assured that the NPP will recall Parliament to ensure that legislative business continues. “We will not be swayed by these tactics. The NPP is here to serve the people, and we will fight against any efforts to derail the government’s agenda.”

As Parliament braces for a potential recall, the confrontation between the NPP and the NDC reflects deepening political divisions in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, with both sides battling over control of the House and its legislative direction.