Welcoming Members of Parliament back from recess for an emergency recall on Monday, August 24, 2026, outgoing Majority Leader Hon. Mahama Ayariga joined the Speaker and the Minority Leader in addressing the House.
Acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the abrupt summons, Hon. Ayariga noted that many lawmakers had their recess plans interrupted.
“I join the Right Honourable Speaker and my colleague the Minority Leader to welcome all of us back to this emergency recall of Parliament,” he said. “I believe many of us have been unfortunately rudely interrupted in the enjoyment of our recess. Many have scheduled family travels, vacation times, medical checkups and very important constituency assignments. And we have been asked to return to consider important national assignments.”
Despite the short notice, he commended his colleagues for their strong attendance and dedication to national duty.
“But looking at the numbers in the House, I want to commend all of us that in spite of the recess period and the many things that we scheduled, we have made time to respond to the Speaker’s recall to come and attend to the urgent business that is before us,” he stated.
During his address, Hon. Ayariga also took the opportunity to address recent public speculation surrounding his leadership, clarifying that he remains the substantive Majority Leader of Parliament despite his nomination as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
Correcting media reports suggesting he had already vacated the post, he set the record straight: “Mr. Speaker, let me state for the record that I am still the Majority Leader of this House.” He explained that he will continue to direct affairs for the Majority Caucus throughout the vetting process, adding,
“Until I am vetted and approved and sworn in, I remain the Majority Leader. The work that is before us this week, I will lead from this side.”
Outlining the agenda for the sitting, Hon. Ayariga assured Parliament that the Majority Caucus will work collaboratively with the Minority to clear all urgent business within the five-day timeframe designated by the Speaker.
“The items before us relate to the passage of an important financial bill and the consideration of nomination of two of us, your colleagues to join the executive arm of government. Mr. Speaker, we also have as you have indicated the consideration of three nominees to the Supreme Court,” he stated.
To accomplish these tasks within the tight schedule, he noted that Parliament would need to adjust its standard operational procedures.
“I want to assure colleagues that we will work together to consider the nominations within the time frame of five sitting days which the Speaker has indicated. To meet this deadline, we will be required to suspend a number of Standing Orders which places some obligations on us in conducting our jobs at the Appointments Committee and as a House in the consideration of bills,” Ayariga said.
Closing his remarks, he called on all lawmakers to support the procedural adjustments required to fast-track their work.
“I therefore urge colleagues to support motions that we will be moving to request for abbreviation of time, to suspend some requirements of public notices so that we can accomplish the task within the five days record that the Speaker has set,” he added.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
