Bagbin summons Parliament to reconvene Thursday, November 7
Alban Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament
The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has formally summoned Members of Parliament to attend a special session on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Read full articleThis session, scheduled for 10 a.m., is set to address crucial legislative matters, following a period of public scrutiny surrounding Ghana's parliamentary activities.
The need for the session follows a suspension of parliamentary proceedings on October 22, triggered by a contentious decision from Speaker Bagbin to declare four parliamentary seats vacant due to alleged party defections.
This declaration has left the legislative body without a definitive majority, leading to protests from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which argues that the ruling violates constitutional procedures.
Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin led a walkout in response, describing the Speaker's decision as a disruption to parliamentary order.
In an official notice dated October 31, 2024, Speaker Bagbin invoked Article 112(3) of Ghana's 1992 Constitution and Standing Orders 5 and 53, which grant him the authority to convene Parliament when necessary.
“Pursuant to Article 112 (3) and Orders 5 and 53 of the Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana, I, Rt. Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, hereby summon Parliament to sit on 7th November, 2024 at ten o’clock in the forenoon.”
Speaker Bagbin's directive emphasizes the importance of decorum within the House, aiming to address legislative priorities in alignment with Ghana’s Standing Orders.
With the reconvening of Parliament, expectations are high for a resolution to the political impasse and for the body to continue its duties with transparency and adherence to parliamentary rules.
Read the Speaker's statement below:
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