Former President John Mahama has stated that National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament will not respond to any recall of Parliament at this time.

This follows a request by the Majority Caucus to the Speaker of Parliament for an urgent session. They suggested that Parliament be recalled to sit on November 28 and November 29.

NDC MPs

Speaking during a campaign rally in the Western Region, Mr Mahama emphasized the NDC’s stance, signalling strong opposition to what the party views as attempts to push through controversial decisions under the guise of urgency.

He criticised NPP MPs’ decision to recall Parliament a few days before the election noting that the NDC’s focus remains on the campaign.

“Now they want Parliament to be recalled for deliberations just 12 days to the elections – you say we should stop campaigning and come to Parliament. If they like they should go but the NDC will not go to Parliament. After we finish voting and we see the smoothness level, we will open Parliament for all to come,” he said.

This stance aligns with NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia’s directive for the party’s MPs to boycott the recall, claiming it serves “corrupt interests.” Both leaders have questioned the legitimacy of the Majority’s request, especially close to elections.

The NDC Parliamentary Caucus, led by Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has formally appealed to Speaker Alban Bagbin to reject the recall request.

In a memo dated November 25, Dr Forson argued that the petition fails to meet constitutional and procedural requirements under Article 112(3) and Standing Order 53(1).

He noted that the Speaker has the discretion to reject the request, citing insufficient justification for the urgency.Source: Emma Ankrah