The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has asked Members of Parliament (MPs) not to abandon their legislative duties during the electioneering, ahead of the 2024 General Election.
He said it was understandable that the demands of campaigning would compete for their time and energy.
Mr Bagbin, however, said it was also critical that MPs balanced these demands with legislative responsibilities, to ensure that full attention was given to crucial bills, debates and decisions that lay before the House.
He made the call on Tuesday when he welcomed lawmakers from the long recess to the House for the first sitting of the fifth meeting of the fourth session of Parliament.
“I must remind us all that while the electoral season is upon us, our mandate as MPs has not yet expired, the duties and responsibilities we owe to this House and the people of Ghana continue until the very last day of this parliamentary session.
“The businesses before us remain of paramount importance and we must make the necessary time to ensure that we do not neglect our parliamentary duties,” Mr Bagbin said.
He noted that the House stood at a critical juncture in the nation’s parliamentary history as decisions and deliberations they would undertake over the course of the meeting would be the last in this Parliament’s life, and have profound implications for the future of the country.
Mr Bagbin urged the MPs to remain steadfast in their resolve to serve the citizens with all their strength and heart.
“Let me remind you of the urgent and substantial work load that lays ahead, the business of the house is far from complete and the legislative priorities before us demand nothing short of our outmost dedication, focus and swift action,” the Speaker said.
He noted that several crucial Bills were at various stages of consideration with each having implications for the governance, stability and economic growth of the country.
These bills, Mr Bagbin said included, the Constitution Amendment Bill, the Environmental Protection Bill, Parliamentary Service Bill, the International Business and Economy Transaction Bill, Budget Bill and the Parliamentary Transition Bill.
The Parliamentary Transition Bill, the Speaker highlighted was essential in refining the process involved in the peaceful transfer of administration in Parliament.
“This bill addresses gaps in the current framework to guarantee smoother transitions between administrations ensuring stability and continuity in parliament,” he explained.
Furthermore, Mr Bagbin stated that the Budget Bill, which was currently at the second reading stage, must be processed as a matter of urgency because the budget was the backbone of economic management and planning.
Any delays in the passage of the Budget Bill, he noted, would have serious effect on the public and private sectors and ultimately affect the livelihood of Ghanaians.
To ensure that the legislative process moved smoothly and efficiently, Mr Bagbin called on all Committees of the House with pending referrals to immediately take the necessary steps to complete their reviews and present their reports.
He acknowledged the commitment, resilience and dedication every parliamentary member has demonstrated through the term.
“Together we have navigated through several challenges ranging from global pandemics, conflicts, wars, uncertainties and economic challenges of our country,” the speaker acknowledged
BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI & CECILIA LAGBA