On Tuesday, 22nd October, 2024, Speaker of Parliament Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin indefinitely adjourned parliamentary proceedings, citing the lack of quorum.
The decision came on a day marked by heightened tensions in the Chamber where members of Parliament (MPs) from both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) clashed over which party holds the majority.
Earlier in the day, NPP MPs walked out of the Chamber, leaving NDC members to occupy both sides of the House, escalating the ongoing dispute that began on October 17.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin revealed that he had received a communication from the Supreme Court instructing him to pause his earlier ruling that declared four parliamentary seats vacant.
However, he provided no further details, leaving MPs and the public uncertain about the court’s directive, explaining that although there have been enough members to hold discussions, the lack of quorum to make any formal decisions led to his decision to adjourn parliamentary proceedings.
The adjournment comes amid legal battles over the four parliamentary seats—Agona West, Fomena, Suhum, and Amenfi Central—two held by the NPP, one by the NDC, and one by an independent candidate.
These seats had been declared vacant by the Speaker just a week prior, a ruling now put on hold due to the Supreme Court’s intervention.
Speaking on the tensions in Parliament, Minister for Communications and MP for Ablekuma West, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, expressed her concerns revealing “I’m deeply worried about the image this eighth Parliament is creating for itself. It is the most chaotic we have ever seen, and this does not do the institution any good,” she said.
Madam Owusu-Ekuful urged MPs to act responsibly, emphasizing, “We must respect the decisions of the Supreme Court and ensure that our actions as MPs do not debase the title we carry.”
She further called for calm heads to prevail, stressing the need for leadership to resolve differences in a mature manner.
“Parliament is an institution, and our democracy will be the winner if we handle this challenge with cool-headedness. Violence, insults, and fisticuffs serve no one,” she added.
Meanwhile, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin voiced his frustration with Speaker Bagbin’s decision to adjourn the House, suggesting inn an interview that the move was part of a broader effort by NDC MPs to obstruct parliamentary business.
“We will not allow Mr. Speaker to ambush us. His actions are hurting democracy, and we will use the law to ensure that Parliament is recalled,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin asserted, accusing the Speaker of deliberately favoring his party.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin announced plans to recall Parliament, stating, “There is no controversy here that should trigger adjournments. The court has ruled, and as a democrat, Mr. Speaker should report to the court in full. He is not Parliament.”
However, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson insisted that the NDC MPs are in the majority noting that “We are fortified by the Constitution and the standing orders of this House. We see ourselves as the majority, and we are grateful to the Speaker for doing what is right, reaffirming their position.”
In a related development, the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) urged Parliament to adhere strictly to the Supreme Court’s orders to avoid further turmoil.
“All parties involved must act with maximum restraint and respect for the constitutional principles that underpin Ghana’s democracy,” CDD-Ghana said in a statement.
Read Also: CDD-Ghana Expresses Concern Over Rising Tensions in Parliament
Source: ATLFMNEWS
