The Minority Caucus of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Parliament has firmly opposed a proposal to reconvene Parliament for urgent government business, citing insufficient justification and poor timing with just 11 days remaining until the general elections.
Cassiel Ato Forson, the NDC’s Parliamentary Leader, criticized the petition—initiated by members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus—arguing that it fails to satisfy constitutional and procedural requirements for recalling Parliament.
According to Ato Forson, the petition lacks the signatures of at least 15% of Members of Parliament, a requirement set out in Article 112(3) of the Constitution and Standing Order 53(1). He further dismissed the urgency of the proposed agenda, asserting that the matters at hand can be deferred until after the December 7 elections.
He also stressed that recalling Parliament at this critical juncture would disrupt essential electoral preparations, such as campaign efforts, polling agent training, and logistical arrangements.
This is not the first time the NPP caucus has faced challenges in mobilizing support for an emergency sitting. On November 7, an earlier attempt to convene Parliament failed due to insufficient attendance, forcing an indefinite adjournment.
In response to the current petition, Ato Forson has proposed a leadership meeting after the elections to address unresolved parliamentary issues. He emphasized that the immediate priority should be ensuring peaceful, credible, and transparent elections.
Background of the Disagreement
The NDC has consistently criticized the NPP’s management of parliamentary affairs, accusing the ruling party of attempting to rush significant legislation without adequate debate or consultation. Ato Forson recently warned that such actions could destabilize Ghana’s democratic processes and heighten tensions as the elections approach.
By opposing the recall, the NDC aims to prevent the NPP from pushing through legislation that could give the ruling party an advantage in the elections.
Potential Consequences of the Boycott
The NDC’s boycott is expected to delay several legislative measures, including contentious bills such as those related to the Free SHS policy, which has been a source of disagreement between the two parties.
While the NPP has accused the NDC of obstructing legislative progress, the NDC has countered that the NPP’s actions undermine democratic principles and transparency.
As Ghana prepares for the elections, tensions between the two parties are likely to escalate, with the NDC determined to block any last-minute legislative moves that could influence the outcome of the polls.
By MyABCLive.com, sourced from Dailyguidenetwork.com
