Parliament Returns for Urgent Business

Parliament reconvenes today Monday, August 24, following a recall by Speaker Alban Bagbin to enable the House to deal with urgent parliamentary business. The special sitting comes less than a month after Parliament adjourned on July 31, 2026, with Members of Parliament expected to remain in session until Friday, August 28.

Speaker Bagbin invoked Order 58(4) of Parliament’s Standing Orders, which empowers the Speaker to recall the House during an adjournment when circumstances require Parliament to resume its work. The recall means MPs will return to the Chamber earlier than originally scheduled to consider matters deemed too pressing to await the next regular sitting.

A major item expected on the agenda is the consideration of two ministerial nominations. Parliament is expected to scrutinise the nomination of Mahama Ayariga as Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, alongside that of Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology. The two nominees are expected to face parliamentary processes that will include consideration of their suitability for the respective portfolios before the House takes the necessary decisions.

The week-long sitting could therefore provide Parliament with an opportunity to address both the immediate ministerial nominations and other matters that have been identified as requiring urgent legislative attention. The Speaker’s decision to recall the House underscores the constitutional and procedural authority of Parliament to resume its business when circumstances demand action, despite an earlier adjournment.

Members of Parliament for the respective constituencies are consequently expected to attend the special sitting from today August 24 through to Friday August 28 as the House works through the business for which it has been recalled.

By: Joyce Owusu