Parliament to reconvene early November – Bagbin assures Council of State

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has informed the Council of State that arrangements are being made to reconvene Parliament in early November. This early recall comes in response to a formal request made by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary caucus, which submitted a petition calling for an urgent return to legislative proceedings after the Speaker adjourned sittings.

The current suspension of parliamentary activities, which began after the house was indefinitely adjourned, stemmed from a significant dispute over which party holds the majority position. This disagreement intensified after the Speaker of Parliament declared four parliamentary seats vacant, leading to an impasse that temporarily halted parliamentary sessions.

This majority debate heightened the stakes within Parliament, with both the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) navigating a tense political landscape while calling for clarity on the issue to ensure the proper functioning of the legislature.

During a courtesy visit by the Council of State, Speaker Bagbin expressed his commitment to resolving these critical issues through constitutional and democratic processes. He reassured the Council that his office, in collaboration with parliamentary leadership, is working diligently to re-establish legislative order.

According to Bagbin, a return to parliamentary proceedings in November will enable members to tackle pressing matters that require immediate attention as well as address procedural reforms necessary for mitigating similar conflicts in the future.

Bagbin also emphasised that reconvening Parliament is essential not only to address the pending majority dispute but also to strengthen Ghana’s democratic institutions. He underscored his role as Speaker in maintaining neutrality and upholding Ghana’s democratic values.

The Council of State welcomed Speaker Bagbin’s assurances, acknowledging the importance of restoring legislative operations and thanking him for his dedication to democracy.

By: Kabah Atawoge