SPEAKER BAGBIN CALLS FOR RECONSIDERATION OF BILL TO STRENGTHEN CONSENSUS AND PROCEDURAL INTEGRITY

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called on Members of Parliament (MPs) to reconsider a pending bill before its final enactment, stressing the importance of procedural integrity, national unity, and broad-based consensus.

Addressing the House, Speaker Bagbin emphasized that his intervention is consistent with his constitutional and parliamentary responsibilities to promote consensus on matters under consideration. “This statement is consistent with my obligation under Order 20, Rule 4(b) of the Standing Orders to promote consensus on matters under consideration in the House,” he stated. “It is with this conviction that I invite Honourable Members to reflect on whether further consideration of this matter may better secure public confidence, national unity, collective ownership of the bill, and respect for the faith, laws, and aspirations of the nation.”

The Speaker urged lawmakers to rise above partisan interests and focus on the broader national interest, noting that legislation of such significance should command the confidence and support of all Ghanaians. As part of the process, he respectfully requested that Parliament revisit the decision taken at the bill’s third reading to allow for a comprehensive review of its final text and, where necessary, incorporate further amendments.

Speaker Bagbin clarified that the proposal should not be interpreted as a rejection of the bill or its objectives. Rather, he described it as a demonstration of Parliament’s commitment to democratic governance and sound legislative practice.

According to the Speaker, a review of the bill would reinforce Parliament’s dedication to due process, constitutional compliance, consensus-building, transparency, and legislative certainty.

He concluded by emphasizing that any law ultimately passed by Parliament should not only reflect the independent will of the House but also enjoy the widest possible support and acceptance among the Ghanaian people.