The Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin Calls Parliament to Reconvene on November 7

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin calls for Parliamentary Reconvening Amid Political Tensions on November 7

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has officially called for the Ghanaian Parliament to reconvene on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 10:00 AM. This significant session will take place at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre, where lawmakers are expected to address pressing legislative issues left unresolved over recent weeks.

The decision comes amid political turbulence triggered by Speaker Bagbin’s controversial declaration that the parliamentary seats for Fomena, Amenfi Central, Suhum, and Agona West were vacant, a move that incited considerable resistance from the Majority caucus. The Majority argued that the Speaker’s declaration undermined their representation and created an imbalance within the House.

This dispute reached the Supreme Court when Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin filed a legal challenge against the Speaker’s ruling. In response, the Court issued a stay of execution, temporarily reinstating the representatives of the contested seats and highlighting the broader power struggle between the Majority and Minority factions.

Tensions escalated further when Speaker Bagbin adjourned a previous session after members of the Minority caucus, using their numerical advantage, occupied the Majority side of the chamber in protest. This move, unprecedented in Ghanaian parliamentary history, underscored the strained relations and raised questions about the functional stability of the House.

The Majority caucus subsequently called for the House to reconvene, emphasizing that urgent legislative matters demand immediate attention. Their call aims to ensure that critical national policies and government programs are not left in limbo due to political gridlock. As Parliament reconvenes, all eyes will be on the legislative body to navigate these conflicts and restore a sense of order and productivity in Ghana’s legislative process.