The Office of the Speaker of Parliament is preparing to reconvene the House in early November following a petition from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Caucus.
The Caucus has requested the Speaker to recall Parliament to address pressing national issues.
During a meeting with a delegation from the Council of State, Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin confirmed that preparations are underway to facilitate Parliament’s return.
The Council of State, led by Chairman Nana Otuo Siriboe II, paid a courtesy call to the Speaker to discuss the current status of the Legislature, which was adjourned indefinitely earlier in October.
A statement from the Parliamentary Service highlighted that the Council pledged support to help resolve any outstanding issues and restore Parliament’s operations.
Reasons behind indefinite adjournment
Speaker Bagbin explained that his decision to adjourn Parliament was influenced by a legal battle stemming from his declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant.
This action led to significant parliamentary tension, as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) side claimed majority status due to the affected members, which include two NPP members now running as independents, an independent candidate aligning with the NPP, and an NDC representative.
The Speaker cited a directive from the Supreme Court, which instructed him to stay his initial ruling on the four seats, causing uncertainty over the House’s composition.
Mr Bagbin stated, “In view of the current circumstances…and the exigencies of the affairs in Parliament, I will proceed to, in accordance with standing order 59, adjourn the house indefinitely, that is sine die.”
During the Council’s visit, Nana Otuo Siriboe II applauded Speaker Bagbin’s leadership within both the national and international parliamentary landscape.
The Council praised Bagbin’s role in promoting Ghana’s democratic values through his positions in organizations such as the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSHAL).
Speaker Bagbin, however, shared with the Council that he would be attending the 67th CPA Conference in Sydney, Australia, from November 3 to 8, where he will conclude his term as President of the CPA International.
He emphasized that he intends to return to Ghana earlier than planned to accommodate Parliament’s recall and address domestic matters.
Supreme Court hearing scheduled for November 11
As the Speaker awaits the Supreme Court’s judgment on November 11 regarding the application filed by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, tensions remain high.
The Supreme Court had previously rejected Speaker Bagbin’s appeal to suspend the court’s decision temporarily.
A final ruling on whether the Speaker can declare the four seats vacant is expected in mid-November, which may impact the House’s composition and legislative activities.
Looking ahead to Parliament’s reopening
The Speaker assured the Council of his commitment to advancing Ghana’s democracy and maintaining the integrity of the House. With the anticipated November recall, both Parliament and the judiciary’s decisions will shape the legislative agenda, which remains crucial as the nation approaches critical elections in December.
Nana Otuo Siriboe encouraged the Speaker to continue his efforts for Ghana’s democracy, voicing confidence in his leadership to navigate these challenges effectively.
