Deputy Minority Chief Whip Habib Iddrisu said the motion rejected by Speaker Alban Bagbin was the exact trigger for Parliament’s recall. He expressed surprise that the Speaker would not admit the motion, stating it mirrored the memorandum he had submitted to seek the recall.
Speaking to Joy News’ PM Express, Iddrisu noted, “I was very, very surprised that the motion was rejected or was not admitted by the Speaker. Because I was very convinced that the Speaker was going to admit the motion, but he didn’t.” He added that the motion contained the same substance as the earlier memorandum.
The Minority had sought the recall over concerns that Ghana could become a transit hub for illicit drugs, urging urgent action. Iddrisu said the Speaker’s prior knowledge of the recall’s basis should have led to the motion’s admission, yet the Speaker chose otherwise.
He acknowledged the Speaker’s authority to admit motions under Parliament’s Standing Orders, stating, “But he is the Speaker of the House. The right to admit motions or otherwise lies on his bosom.” He added that the Standing Orders grant the Speaker the power to admit or refuse motions.
What follows is a debate over procedural authority and the political implications of the recall. The next steps will see the Minority and Speaker’s office clarify the reasons behind the rejection and whether the recall will proceed.
