Parliament Is Alive and Working - Speaker

The Parliament of Ghana, has in recent times, being characterised with chaotic theatrical displays but the Speaker of Parliament. Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has posited that Ghana’s Parliament is alive and is working. 

Addressing the media on Wednesday, 6th November, 2024, Alban Bagbin stated that the current Parliament is undergoing a transformational process where the rule of law is being tested and strengthened. 

It is recalled that, on October 17, 2024, chaos almost broke lose in Parliament following the declaration of four Parliamentary seats vacant. In a heated argument on the floor of Parliament, the NPP caucus staged a walkout with the NDC caucus assuming the spot of the majority side in parliament. 

"Parliament is alive and working. It has not been dissolved, prorogued, prohibited, suspended or terminated. The plenary sitting and meetings of Parliament were adjourned indefinitely, due to lack of quorum to take decision created by a walk out staged by the NPP Members who were available, as a result of a disagreement. 

"The cause of the disagreement which led to a disorder had to be resolved with time and engagement of many more leaders than those in Parliament. The adjournment was done by the lawful authority, the Speaker of Parliament. 

"Let us stop pressing the panic buttons and fear mongering and allow the system to work. Anger and indecent language rather inflames the situation. There can be no democracy without patience, tolerance, discipline, collaboration, the love for one another and consensus building."

Meanwhile, Parliament reconvened on Thursday, November 7, 2024 follow a recall triggered by the deputy majority whip, Hon. Alex Tetteh Djornobuah after the Speaker of Parliament adjourned the house sine die. 

However, the NPP caucus did not show up in Parliament, leading to the speaker's decision to adjourn the house indefinitely again.

Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com