Speaker Snubs NPP’s Request to Recall Parliament …Hosts Colleague Africa ‘Speakers’ Conference

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, is set to host the 2nd General Assembly of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) in Accra, starting today.

This high-profile event comes shortly after Members of Parliament (MPs) from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) urged Mr. Bagbin to convene an emergency sitting. The request, dated October 22, was made as the House was adjourned sine die by the Speaker at the Accra International Conference Centre, following a stay of execution by the Supreme Court.

The dispute arose from the Speaker’s announcement of four vacant seats, as some MPs decided to contest the December election as independents or align with the NPP after being initially elected as independent MPs.

Although the Speaker has not publicly responded to the MPs’ call for recall within the next seven days, the request by MP Patricia Appiagyei from Asokwa emphasized the urgency of addressing pending bills and tax exemptions.

Established in 2020, CoSPAL serves as a crucial platform to promote dialogue, collaboration, and cooperation among leaders of African parliaments and assemblies to tackle common challenges and drive collective action for Africa’s development.

The 2nd General Assembly, led by Speaker Bagbin as the current President of CoSPAL, aims to build on the groundwork set during the 1st General Assembly held in Abuja in May 2022. The gathering will convene 120 participants, including 15 Speakers and Presidents of National Legislatures, 30 Deputy Speakers and Presidents, Clerks/Secretary Generals, and parliamentary staff from across the African continent.

This assembly signifies a pivotal moment in enhancing legislative efficiency and fostering regional solidarity to address common issues facing Africa. It will be an opportunity for the Ghanaian Parliament, under the guidance of Speaker Bagbin, to showcase Ghana’s democratic principles and warm hospitality.

The event will take place at the upscale Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra. This information was communicated by the media relations department of Parliament on Thursday, October 24.