Speaker of Parliament clarifies his stance on First Deputy Speaker's controversial reversals, providing insight into his constitutional approach.
In a recent press event held by the Parliamentary Service, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin shared detailed reasons for his choice not to overrule the decisions made by the First Deputy Speaker, Joe Wise, on two separate occasions.
Bagbin's explanation sheds light on his commitment to democratic procedures and parliamentary protocol.
The first incident revolved around the 2022 budget approval, where Joe Wise, acting as the Speaker in Bagbin's absence, overturned Bagbin's ruling and ensured a one-sided house approved the budget.
Bagbin expressed his condemnation of the action, asserting the illegality and offensiveness of such moves.
Bagbin's choice to abstain from overturning the decision is now backed by his interpretation of parliamentary procedures and respect for the roles of Members of Parliament (MPs).
In another case, Bagbin highlighted Wise's dismissal of a private member's motion aimed at probing the government's COVID-19 expenditure.
Despite having previously admitted the motion, Bagbin chose not to intervene in Wise's decision.
Bagbin now cites his awareness of the parliamentary Standing Orders, which allow only MPs to take certain actions, as a factor in his decision-making.
Bagbin's approach stems from his dedication to maintaining democratic values within the Parliament.
He emphasized that his decisions are rooted in his respect for parliamentary procedures and the roles of elected MPs.
During the press event, Bagbin also acknowledged the significant role that the media played in his successful political career.
He expressed gratitude for the support he has received from the media, crediting it as a contributing factor to his accomplishments.
As Ghana marks 30 years of uninterrupted democracy under the Fourth Republic, Bagbin's insights provide valuable perspectives into the intricacies of parliamentary operations and the role of democratic principles in shaping legislative decisions.