Majority Leader requests Parliamentary recall to address urgent govt business
The Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Mr. Alexander Afenyo Markin, has submitted a formal memorandum to the Speaker of Parliament, requesting the recall of the House to address critical pending matters. This comes after the Sixth Meeting of the Fourth Session of Parliament, originally scheduled for November 7, 2024, adjourned without deliberating on several pressing government issues.
Mr. Afenyo Markin highlighted that the adjournment left key items of national importance unresolved, urging the Speaker to facilitate the swift resumption of parliamentary proceedings.
Key Government Business Pending
The memorandum detailed several urgent government matters requiring immediate attention:
- Tax Exemptions for One District, One Factory Beneficiaries: Approval is sought for tax exemptions to support designated beneficiaries under the flagship One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative.
- Ghana Financial Stability Fund: Parliament needs to approve a $250 million facility from the International Development Association to enhance financial sector stability.
- Supreme Court Appointments: The House must consider the President’s nominations for appointments to the Supreme Court.
- Mining Lease Agreements:
- Ashanti Bauxite Company Limited: Ratification is required for a lease agreement to mine bauxite in the Nyinahini Block 2 area of the Atwima Mponua District, Ashanti Region.
- Barari DV Ghana Limited: Approval is needed for an agreement to exploit lithium at Ewoyaa in the Central Region.
Legislative Bills Awaiting Consideration
The memorandum also underscored a backlog of legislative bills that need parliamentary action. These include:
- Environmental Protection Agency Bill, 2024
- Social Protection Bill, 2023
- Customs (Amendment) Bill, 2024
- Budget Bill, 2023
- Ghana Boundary Commission Bill, 2023
- Intestate Succession Bill, 2022
- University of Mampong Bill, 2024
- Free Secondary Education Bill, 2024
- Pre-Tertiary Amendment Bill
- Colleges of Applied Arts, Science, and Technology Bill, 2024
- Ghana Book Development Council Bill, 2024
- University for Development Studies Bill, 2024
- Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply Bill, 2024
Implications of the Recall
The recall of Parliament is seen as crucial to ensuring the continuation of government business, especially with pressing issues like tax exemptions and significant mining agreements that have far-reaching economic and social implications. Additionally, the ratification of mining leases and approval of international funding facilities will play a pivotal role in driving Ghana’s economic and industrial agenda.
By recalling the House, the Majority Leader aims to expedite deliberations on these matters to avoid delays that could impact the implementation of critical national programs and policies.
