Emergency parliamentary session wasteful and unnecessary – Ato Forson

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The Minority caucus in Parliament has voiced strong disapproval of the recent emergency recall of the House, describing it as unnecessary and a misuse of public funds.

According to the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the recall was an ill-advised expenditure of taxpayer money, especially considering the limited achievements during the session.

The recall, which took place over two days at the Accra Conference Centre, was intended to address a list of 11 items on the agenda.

However, only two of those items were discussed, leaving the Minority questioning the purpose and urgency of the session.

Dr. Forson emphasised that the results did not warrant the resources spent on bringing Members of Parliament back for the meeting.

Dr. Forson also criticized the government’s decision to convene Parliament for such a limited scope of discussions.

He argued that the session lacked the kind of pressing national importance that would justify the extraordinary measure of an emergency recall, especially at a time when Ghana faces serious financial constraints.

The Minority Leader further highlighted the inefficiency of the recall, stating that more could have been achieved if there had been a more focused and productive agenda.

He called for greater accountability in how government resources are allocated, especially when the country is dealing with economic challenges.

“Mr. Speaker, I want to say that there was no way the business we have done so far should have warranted such a recall. We were recalled to tackle tax exemptions and loans. Right Honourable Speaker, one of it [the loans] has been approved.

“Mr. Speaker, our concern remains with the tax assumptions. We strongly believe that these giveaways should be curtailed. We strongly believe that these giveaways of tax exemptions are unwarranted.

“We believe that at a time that the country is bleeding, Ghana should not be giving such giveaways to crony businesses.”