Former Attorney General Martin Amidu has expressed skepticism over Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s proposal to recall Parliament for two days.
Describing the move as “insulting to the electorate,” Mr. Amidu deemed it unnecessary, particularly given its proximity to the December 7 elections.
In a memorandum dated November 22, 2024, the Majority Leader urged the Speaker of Parliament to convene Parliament on November 28 and 29, 2024, to address what Mr. Amidu termed “a needless tall list of non-urgent Government Business.”
The former Special Prosecutor did not mince words, asserting that the proposed recall appears to be an attempt to “rush through and railroad important items… down the throats of Ghanaians.”
He questioned the practicality of such a session, given that many Members of Parliament (MPs) are actively engaged in election campaigns critical to their political futures.
“One wonders what useful purpose would be served by disrupting these electioneering campaigns,” Mr. Amidu argued, noting that opponents not currently in Parliament would continue canvassing in the MPs’ absence.
Mr. Amidu also critiqued the memorandum for its apparent disingenuousness in appealing for unity.
Citing the Majority Leader’s call to “rise above partisan considerations,” he countered: “It is insulting to the electorate to hear this after the open and nauseating acrimony exhibited by the 8th Parliament.”
He lambasted the timing and intent of the recall, suggesting it prioritizes financial convenience for MPs over the national interest.
“Convening Parliament for two days only may be convenient for the finances of Members of Parliament; otherwise, I see no rational reason for wasting the public purse just days before the 2024 elections.”
Reflecting on broader governance issues, Mr. Amidu lamented the lack of attention to pressing national emergencies such as the October 2024 Bawku crisis.
“The purposive government mismanagement of the Bawku crisis, which has killed and maimed hundreds of citizens, is not even an agenda item for the Majority Leader,” he observed.
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