Parliament set to reconvene November 7 following Speaker’s summons

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has recalled Members of Parliament to convene on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

This session will take place at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre, which currently serves as the temporary venue for parliamentary sittings while the main house undergoes renovations.

The Speaker’s decision, grounded in Article 112(3) of Ghana’s Constitution and Standing Orders 5 and 53, comes in response to heightened tensions and unresolved issues in the House, following an adjournment on October 22.

This adjournment marked a particularly contentious session, with New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) members clashing over which caucus holds the majority, compounded by Speaker Bagbin’s ruling that declared the seats for Fomena, Amenfi Central, Suhum, and Agona West vacant.

In response to the Speaker’s declaration, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin challenged the decision, bringing the matter before the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court subsequently ordered a stay of execution on the Speaker’s directive, a decision that was met with disapproval from the Speaker. Through his lawyers, the Speaker challenged the Supreme Court’s ruling, requesting that the Court reconsider its decision and exclude one of the justices, citing alleged affiliations with the ruling party.

Meanwhile, since the adjournment, the Majority Leader indicated plans to trigger a recall of Parliament, emphasising the need to address critical state business.

Various bodies, including the Council of State and civil society organisations, have urged the Speaker to find ways to resolve the impasse.