The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has justified the recall of Parliament for a five-day emergency meeting ending August 28, 2026.
Addressing the House, the Speaker disclosed that he received a letter from President John Dramani Mahama dated August 11, 2026, requesting the recall of Parliament to consider some urgent matters ahead of the planned recall in October 2026.
Welcoming Members of Parliament from their constituencies to the emergency meeting, the Speaker listed the urgent matters to include the consideration and passage of the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
He said the House would also consider two ministerial nominees, Mahama Ayariga, Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology.
Additionally, the Speaker noted that three nominees for Justices of the Supreme Court, Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, and Justice Anthony Forson Junior — are expected to be considered during the emergency sitting.
On the status of the Majority Leader, Speaker Bagbin clarified that even though Mahama Ayariga has been nominated by the President as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, he still occupies the Majority Leader’s seat until the National Democratic Congress (NDC) officially informs the House of any changes in its leadership.
Both the Majority and Minority Leaders, Mahama Ayariga and Alexander Afenyo-Markin, respectively took turns to make brief statements welcoming members from their various constituencies.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
