The Deputy Minority Chief Whip and Tolon MP, Habib Iddrisu, has expressed surprise at Speaker Alban Bagbin's decision not to admit the Minority's motion seeking the recall of Parliament. The Minority had sought to recall Parliament over concerns that Ghana was becoming a transit hub for illegal drugs, with the aim of allowing lawmakers to urgently deliberate on the growing concerns and demand answers from the government.
According to Habib Iddrisu, he was convinced the motion would be admitted because its contents were the same as those contained in the memorandum that led to the recall of Parliament. He noted that the Speaker had prior knowledge of the reasons for the recall, having already acted on the memorandum by recalling Parliament. This made it difficult for him to anticipate that the subsequent motion would not be admitted.
Habib Iddrisu stated that the motion was not different from the reference in the memorandum that actually seeks for parliament to be recalled. He mentioned that the Speaker had provided reasons for his decision, although he remained surprised by the outcome. The Deputy Minority Chief Whip acknowledged the Speaker's authority to determine which motions are admitted, citing the Standing Orders which give the Speaker the authority to decide whether to admit such a motion.
Despite his disappointment, Habib Iddrisu recognized that the Speaker has the right to admit or reject motions. He emphasized that the Speaker's decision was in line with the Standing Orders, which grant him the authority to make such determinations. Habib Iddrisu also noted that the Minority's concerns about Ghana becoming a transit hub for illegal drugs remain a pressing issue that requires urgent attention.
The Minority had moved to recall Parliament to address the growing concerns about Ghana's role in the transit of illegal drugs. They sought to allow lawmakers to urgently deliberate on the issue and demand answers from the government. Habib Iddrisu's surprise at the Speaker's decision highlights the ongoing tensions between the Minority and the Speaker's office.
The issue has sparked debate about the role of Parliament in addressing the growing concerns about narcotics in Ghana. The Minority has been pressing for a full inquiry into the matter, while the government has been criticized for its handling of the issue. Habib Iddrisu's comments suggest that the Minority will continue to push for accountability and action on the issue.
The Speaker's decision to reject the recall motion has been met with criticism from the Minority, who argue that it is essential for Parliament to address the issue urgently. The development highlights the challenges of balancing the roles of Parliament and the Speaker's office in Ghana's democratic process.
Key points
- Deputy Minority Chief Whip Habib Iddrisu expresses surprise at Speaker Alban Bagbin's decision to reject a motion to recall Parliament over concerns of Ghana becoming a transit hub for illegal drugs.
