The Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, has emphasized the importance of the ongoing Fifth Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament, describing it as pivotal for strengthening Ghana’s governance and democratic institutions.
Addressing Members of Parliament (MPs), Speaker Bagbin noted that the workload ahead is immense, requiring dedication, focus, and efficiency. He stressed the urgency of processing key bills, particularly the International Business and Economic Transaction Bill and the Budget Bill, which he said must be handled with utmost priority. Additionally, several constitutional instruments are set to be laid and must come into effect before the House rises sine die.
The Speaker urged parliamentary committees to expedite their work and ensure that sensitive bills are scheduled early for deliberation, reminding the House that “the time for action is now.” He also called on MPs to strike a balance between their electoral campaign demands and their legislative duties during this period.
In his address, Minority Leader Dr. Ato Forson expressed grave concerns about the country’s current state, claiming that Ghana is on the brink of an “environmental genocide.” He attributed the crisis to leadership failure and fiscal indiscipline, which he argued has brought severe hardship to the population. Dr. Forson also criticized the government’s economic management, alleging that the Akufo-Addo administration is repeating past mistakes, particularly in mismanaging the economy, without learning from the COVID-19 experience.
In response, Majority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin commended parliamentary committees for their continued work during the recess, ensuring that critical tasks were addressed. He also urged MPs to be mindful of their campaign rhetoric, encouraging fact-based and issue-driven debates during the electioneering season.
Afenyo Markin rejected claims by the Minority Leader that the government is engaging in fiscal irresponsibility by distributing large sums of money to farmers ahead of the election. He explained that the assistance being provided to farmers in the northern regions was a necessary response to the drought they had suffered and not an election-related handout.
The debate in Parliament highlights the critical nature of the current session, with MPs balancing governance issues alongside the pressures of the upcoming elections.
Source: Clement Akoloh/parliamentnews360.com
