The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has criticised the decision to recall Parliament a day after it had adjourned for recess, describing it as an act of bad faith.
This recall was initiated by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo Markin, who, invoking Article 112(3) of the Constitution, petitioned the Speaker to convene an emergency sitting to address important state matters, just one day after the July 30 adjournment.
Despite his reservations, Speaker Bagbin has approved the agenda, which includes the consideration of a $250 million Energy Sector Loan Agreement, another $250 million Loan Agreement for the Ghana Stability Fund, and various tax exemptions.
The emergency sitting is scheduled to take place over two days, beginning today, September 3. "Despite the efforts of the House, some businesses could not be completed and I indicated to the House my 'no' objection to the House being recalled to sit in mid-September under Article (112)3.
To exercise this option immediately a day after the agenda, is, to say the least, unfortunate and in bad fate," he stated.
However, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo Markin disagreed with the speaker's assertions. "Mr Speaker the request as made in a humble prayer was to enable this House to undertake some urgent assignment.
I humbly submit, Rt Hon Speaker that the application was well grounded in good faith in spite of the disagreement," he noted.
On the the items listed for consideration, Minority leader Dr.
Cassiel Ato Forson reiterated the Minority's opposition to the tax exemptions. "The NDC minority has not changed our position on these tax exemptions, they are not in the best interest of Ghanaians.
Our position has always been and remains that they should convert these tax exemptions into tax credits and otherwise may link these tax exemptions into equity shares as stipulated in the tax exemptions Act," he said.