The Majority leadership of Parliament is unhappy with Speaker Alban Bagbin for an indefinitely adjourning sitting.
This is the second consecutive meeting that the Speaker has abruptly adjourned, leaving several government business matters unresolved.
On Tuesday evening, the Speaker’s decision to adjourn indefinitely angered the Majority Caucus, who accused him of prioritizing international travels over Parliamentary business.
Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin expressed his disappointment, stating that it is “worrying” as rules permit a member to preside in the Speaker’s absence.
“I still hold the view that Mr Speaker could have traveled to the NCSL in the United States, but I don’t think that it is more important than government business,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said.
The Effutu MP emphasized that the issue of adjournment and reopening of Parliament should not be seen as purely administrative since Parliament proceeds on matters by consensus.
“…We could reach some consensus considering the number of business we had as a House. Surprisingly, he did not give his closing remarks, neither did he allow leaders to even make certain remarks… and these are very worrying,” he added.
Since the Speaker presides over the House, the Majority Leader says he does not want to engage in any confrontation with him, but added that they “vehemently disagree with the unilateral decision to adjourn the House.”
Afenyo-Markin further indicated that they will recall Parliament, stating, “We are with immediate effect going to engage our caucus with the sole aim of getting the necessary consent of members and procure their signatures to recall the House in accordance with the law.”