Speaker Alban Bagbin has called for Parliament to reconvene today, Thursday, November 7, 2024, for a session at 10:00 AM at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre.
This meeting is anticipated to tackle urgent matters that have not yet been resolved as a result of an extended deadlock within the House.
The impasse started when Speaker Bagbin declared four parliamentary seats – Fomena, Amenfi Central, Suhum, and Agona West – vacant. This decision was heavily opposed by the Majority caucus, who believed it weakened their presence in Parliament.
Later on, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin went to the Supreme Court to challenge the Speaker’s decision declaring these seats vacant.
The Supreme Court intervened by issuing a stay on Bagbin’s decision, temporarily reinstating the contested seats. This action further escalated tensions between the Majority and Minority caucuses.
When the Minority caucus saw the declared vacancies, they seized the opportunity and moved to the Majority side of the chamber, causing Speaker Bagbin to eventually adjourn the House due to the increased discord.
Questions were raised about Parliament’s stability and the balance of power within the legislative body due to this unexpected turn of events.
The Majority caucus advocated for a recall of Parliament, emphasizing the urgency of resuming legislative business and addressing policies and programs that have been delayed. Delays in parliamentary proceedings were stressed as potentially detrimental to national initiatives.
Today’s session is expected to be a crucial moment in resolving the deadlock, as both parties are ready to discuss the future direction of Ghana’s legislature during one of the most contentious periods in recent parliamentary history.
