The recent emergency recall of Parliament has faced strong criticism from the Minority caucus, who have labelled it as “unnecessary and a misuse of public funds.”
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, has voiced his disapproval, calling the recall an “ill-advised expenditure of taxpayer money,” particularly given the limited accomplishments achieved during the session.
The recall, held over two days at the Accra Conference Centre, was originally intended to address a list of 11 items on the agenda. However, only two items were discussed, leading the Minority to question the purpose and urgency of the session.
Dr. Forson emphasized that “the results did not warrant the resources spent on bringing Members of Parliament back for the meeting.”
He criticized the government’s decision to convene Parliament for such a narrowly focused discussion, arguing 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 with a “more focused and productive agenda.”
He called for greater accountability in the allocation of government resources, particularly given the country’s 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,” Dr. Forson said.
“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,” he added.
“We believe that at a time that the country is bleeding, Ghana should not be giving such giveaways to crony businesses.”