Parliament to reconvene on Nov 7 amid ongoing impasse over vacant seats

Accra, Ghana - November 1, 2024 - In a dramatic turn of events, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has summoned lawmakers to reconvene on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre.

This emergency session aims to break the stalemate that has plagued Parliament for weeks, sparked by the Speaker's contentious ruling on vacant seats.

The controversy began when Speaker Bagbin declared the seats for Fomena, Amenfi Central, Suhum, and Agona West vacant, drawing fierce criticism from the Majority caucus. They argued that the Speaker's actions undermined their representation and challenged the decision in the Supreme Court. The court's subsequent stay on the Speaker's declaration temporarily reinstated the contested seats, highlighting the escalating tensions between the Majority and Minority factions.

The situation took a surprising turn when the Minority caucus seized control of the Majority side of the House, leveraging their numerical advantage due to the Speaker's ruling. This unprecedented move raised concerns about Parliament's operational integrity and the need for a swift resolution to restore order.

In response to the continuing stalemate, the Majority caucus triggered a recall of Parliament, citing urgent legislative matters that require immediate attention. Led by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, they emphasized the need to resume legislative business to prevent critical policies and programs from stalling.

Key Issues to be Addressed:

- Vacant Seats Controversy: The Speaker's ruling and its implications on parliamentary representation
- Supreme Court Intervention: The stay on the Speaker's declaration and its temporary reinstatement of contested seats
- Legislative Business: Urgent matters requiring attention to prevent policy and program stagnation

Find the statement from the office of the Speaker below.

Source: Lead News Online