Parliament to reconvene early November – Speaker assures Council of State
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, has informed the Council of State that Parliament will reconvene in early November to continue with government business.
He said this after a courtesy visit by some Council of State members.
This follows a formal request by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Caucus urging a return to the House after the Speaker adjourned sittings indefinitely.
The suspension followed a dispute over which party held the majority position in Parliament.
READ ALSO: NPP boycotts parliament after losing majority to NDC
It was the consequence of the declaration of four seats vacant by the Speaker of Parliament because of the decision of the MPs to cross carpets ahead of the upcoming December 7 elections.
The affected MPs are Peter Kwakyi Ackah of Amenfi Central, Cynthia Morrison of Agona West, Kwadjo Asante of Suhum, and Andrew Asiamah of Fomena.
While Peter Kwakyi Ackah, Cynthia Morrison, and Kwadjo Asante are contesting as independent candidates, Andrew Asiamah, who was in the House as an independent MP, is contesting the seat on the ticket of the NPP in the next elections.
Speaker Bagbin expressed his commitment to resolving these critical issues through constitutional and democratic processes.
Mr. Bagbin stated that parliament’s leadership was working diligently to re-establish legislative order.
He added that a return to parliamentary proceedings in November will enable members to tackle pressing matters that require immediate attention and address procedural reforms necessary for mitigating similar conflicts in the future.
He underscored his role as Speaker in maintaining neutrality and upholding Ghana’s democratic values.
The Council of State, in response, appreciated Speaker Bagbin’s assurances, recognising the significance of reinstating legislative operations, and expressed gratitude for his commitment to democracy.