Speaker Bagbin Clarifies July 30th Adjournment of Parliament

In response to rising concerns surrounding the adjournment of Ghana's Parliament on July 30th, 2024, Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has provided detailed clarification on the matter. In a statement released to the Ghana News Agency, Speaker Bagbin emphasized that the decision to adjourn the House sine die on July 30th was not taken unilaterally but was guided by the Parliamentary Calendar of the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament.

"This date was informed by the Parliamentary Calendar, which mandates Parliament to adjourn at the end of July," Speaker Bagbin stated. He further clarified that this schedule had been discussed multiple times during pre-sitting meetings with parliamentary leaders and had been agreed upon weeks before the adjournment.

The Speaker disclosed that on July 31st, his office received a request from the Majority side, led by Majority Leader Mr. Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, to recall Parliament for an emergency meeting. This request, according to Speaker Bagbin, outlined several issues alleged to require urgent attention.

In addressing certain allegations made by the Majority Leader, Speaker Bagbin reiterated his commitment to transparency, accountability, and upholding the integrity of Parliament. He stated that the adjournment date was consistently communicated to the House and that the decision was neither sudden nor unilateral.

Speaker Bagbin also refuted accusations that he had prioritized international travel over parliamentary business. He pointed out that the adjournment date had been agreed upon and communicated well in advance, and the decision to adjourn was made to ensure that all prioritized business was completed before the agreed date.

The Speaker highlighted that the adjournment was necessitated in part by the absence of both Deputy Speakers, who were unavoidably out of the jurisdiction during the final days of the session. He noted that the Majority Leader had proposed an extension of the session to August 2nd, but this was opposed by the Minority Leaders.

Further elaborating, Speaker Bagbin mentioned that a conference in the United States of America, which had been scheduled and paid for by Parliament, required the presence of the Speaker, Majority Leader, and Clerk to Parliament. This conference, according to Bagbin, had been agreed upon before the commencement of the parliamentary session.

He emphasized that the chamber was currently undergoing retrofitting and upgrading, which necessitated the adjournment. The Speaker also addressed concerns regarding the recall request, clarifying that it was based on Article 112 (3) and not 113, and was not related to an emergency.

Speaker Bagbin concluded by assuring the public of his unwavering commitment to his duties as Speaker of Parliament and announced that Parliament would reconvene on September 3rd, 2024, at a venue to be communicated.

This clarification comes in the wake of a press conference held by the Majority Leader, where concerns were raised about the Speaker's decision to adjourn Parliament. Speaker Bagbin's statement seeks to correct any misconceptions and affirm the integrity and dignity of Ghana's Parliament.