Parliament resumes today for five-day sitting amid pending ministerial nominations

Parliament convened for a five-day sitting on Monday, August 24, at the request of Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin. This recall enabled the House to address pressing parliamentary matters. The session is scheduled to conclude on Friday, August 28, at Parliament House in Accra, commencing proceedings at noon. The Speaker's decision to recall Parliament was issued on Wednesday, August 12, under Order 58(4) of the Standing Orders.

While the specific topics to be debated during this special session have not been disclosed, the recall coincides with the pending consideration of several ministerial nominations from President John Dramani Mahama.

Among the nominees is Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, representing Klottey Korle, who has been appointed as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, succeeding the late Murtala Mohammed. Additionally, Mahama Ayariga from Bawku Central has been nominated as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. Moreover, two other ministers are being reassigned to new portfolios.

These nominations were forwarded to Parliament on August 7, in compliance with Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates parliamentary approval prior to ministerial nominees assuming their positions. Consequently, Parliament is anticipated to scrutinize the nominees as part of its agenda during the five-day recall, encompassing the review and either approval or rejection of the proposed candidates.