The Majority in Parliament says its decision to invoke Order 53 of the House’s Standing Orders, asserting that the decision to recall Parliament from recess was made in good faith.
The caucus intimates that Parliament’s recall is to tackle significant issues of national interest.
The recall has become justifiable primarily as the Majority is seeking to endorse the Appointments Committee’s 34th report.
In the petition to the Speaker, they contend that a US$150 million loan earmarked for financing the ongoing Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project is significant for a positive impact on the country’s economic growth.
They also aim to address a tax exemption request for specific beneficiaries under the 1D1F Programme.
Speaking to journalists in Parliament Friday, May 02, 2024, Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, revealed that the petition to the Speaker has already garnered signatures from over a hundred caucus members.
“In politics, expect disagreements but such disagreements should not obstruct us. So they have made their case we understand them but it is our view that we have our 138 as the Majority and we should be able to carry government business.
“The Constitution talks about 15% of the total membership of Parliament which if my Mathematics is right, is 42. But I am able to tell you on authority that we have more than 100 of our members who have signed the said prayer which is titled; ‘Notice of Meeting by Request’ under Article 112(3) and order 53 of the standing orders,” he stated.
Meanwhile, our sources have disclosed that the Speaker is out of the jurisdiction and will be available next weekend. He has 7 days within which he must recall the House.
By Komla Klutse|TV3
