The allegations that Speaker Alban Bagbin is postponing the recall of Members of Parliament (MPs) because of his political affiliation have been refuted by the Ghanaian Parliament.

The Parliamentary Service clarified in a statement on Thursday, April 18, 2024, that Bagbin is on assignment in Dubai and that the House is currently in recess with MPs attending to constituents.

No Member of Parliament has asked for an early recall, the statement emphasized. Outside pressure to force a recall was deemed by Parliament to be “frivolous and vexatious” and an unwanted encroachment on parliamentary business.

“It is instructive to note that no such request has been made by any Member of Parliament and so, the calls for a recall of Parliament by persons outside of Parliament is frivolous and vexatious, and amounts to meddling in the work of Parliament.”

The balanced nature of Parliament made it clear that cooperation and consensus-building are essential. It also rejected as “unfounded” any suggestions that the Speaker’s unwillingness to comply with recall requests stems from his affiliation with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“Parliament is aware of the need for collaboration and consensus building because of its hung nature and the Speaker, has sought throughout his tenure, to remain neutral and fair in his dealings. Therefore, to insinuate that the Speaker is not heeding calls for a recall because of his political allegiance to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is unfounded and unfortunate.

“Parliament wishes to state that baring any emergency or unforeseen circumstance, it is likely to reconvene in the latter part of May 2024.”