"Ghana’s Parliament on the Brink: Preparing for Early November Recall"

"Ghana’s Parliament on the Brink: Preparing for Early November Recall"

The Office of the Speaker of Parliament is actively working toward reconvening the House in early November, a move prompted by a petition from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Caucus. This call for urgency reflects pressing legislative matters that require immediate attention, signaling a proactive response to the needs of the Parliament.

Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin met with a five-member delegation from the Council of State, led by Chairman Nana Otuo Siriboe II. During this meeting, the Speaker communicated that step had already been initiated to facilitate the recall of Parliament. The delegation had paid a courtesy visit to gain insight into the current situation within the Legislature, particularly following its indefinite adjournment.

A statement released by the Parliamentary Service indicated that the Council engaged in extensive deliberations with the Speaker. They assured him of their support and readiness to collaborate with him and the House leadership to navigate the challenges facing Parliament. This collaborative spirit is crucial for ensuring the legislative process continues smoothly and effectively.

Speaker Bagbin provided a comprehensive overview of the recent developments in Parliament, particularly concerning his remarks made on the House floor. He reassured the delegation of his dedication to advancing Ghana's democratic framework and serving the populace. However, he informed them that he would lead a Ghanaian delegation to the 67th Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International, taking place in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, from November 3 to 8. This gathering is significant, as it marks a transition of leadership, with Speaker Bagbin set to hand over his position as immediate past president of the CPA International to the newly elected President, who is also the Speaker of the Parliament of New South Wales.

Despite this commitment, the Speaker conveyed his intention to return to Ghana earlier than scheduled, prompted by the pressing requests from Members of Parliament to recall the House. This demonstrates his responsiveness to the demands of his colleagues and the urgency of the legislative agenda.

The Council of State members expressed their commendation for the Speaker’s efforts in maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s democracy. They recognized his adept management of the legislative process and his leadership roles in various parliamentary organizations, including the CPA and the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSHAL). The Council urged him to continue his commendable work in the interests of Ghana and its citizens.

On October 22, Speaker Bagbin had announced an indefinite suspension of parliamentary proceedings due to ongoing legal disputes surrounding his declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant. This contentious declaration, made on October 17, led to significant political tension, particularly as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) claimed to have assumed the majority following the vacated seats. The situation intensified as two of the vacated seats belonged to NPP members who were running as independent candidates, while a third seat was held by an independent candidate contesting on the NPP ticket, with the fourth seat belonging to the NDC.

The affected members included Andrew Asiamah Amoako, the Second Deputy Speaker and MP for Fomena, who serves as an independent member, along with NPP members Madam Cynthia from Agona West and Mr. Kwadjo Asante from Suhum, as well as NDC member Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah from Amenfi Central. In his adjournment speech, Speaker Bagbin revealed that he had received a communication from the Supreme Court directing him to stay his earlier ruling regarding the vacancies.

Despite the NPP caucus having enough numbers to conduct business, the Speaker noted the House's inability to make substantial decisions due to the absence of a quorum. He emphasized the importance of having at least half of the Members of Parliament present to ensure the proper functioning of the legislative body. Ladies and gentlemen, it appears that we are missing half of the total number of members of parliament. Therefore, considering the present situation, the fact that Parliament's makeup and constitution are up for debate, the public interest, and the exigencies of the affairs in Parliament, I will proceed in accordance with standing order 59 to adjourn the House indefinitely, that is sine die," he stated.

Prior to this declaration, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin had sought a Supreme Court injunction to prevent the Speaker from ruling on the four seats, a motion brought forward by the Minority. This legal tussle reflects the broader political landscape, and the complexities involved in the functioning of Parliament.

On October 30, the Supreme Court denied the Speaker's request to overturn its decision regarding the suspension of the vacant seat declarations. The Court has scheduled November 11 for a judgment on the substantive application filed by Mr. Afenyo-Markin, which will further clarify the status of the parliamentary seats and the implications for the upcoming elections.

As Parliament anticipates reconvening, all eyes will be on the unfolding legal developments and their potential impact on the legislative agenda, party dynamics, and the overall political climate in Ghana.