Council of State Intervenes in Parliamentary Impasse

The Council of State has intervened to grease and calm nerves over the recent impasse in Parliament which has called for its adjournment indefinitely.

The Council led by the Chairman, Nana Otuo Siribuor, paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker, Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, on October 30, 2024, to familiarize itself with the happenings.

According to a statement issued by the Parliamentary Service, the members of the Council assured the Rt. Hon Speaker of their preparedness to assist him and the leadership of the House to resolve all outstanding issues to pave the way for a recall of the House after a lengthy deliberation.

The Speaker agreed to recall the House but informed the Council of an impending official trip he is scheduled to take to Australia for the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International Conference.

He assured the leaders of plans to return to the country as soon as possible to recall the House for business.

“The Rt. Hon Speaker however indicated that he will return to Ghana earlier than anticipated, due to a request by Members of Parliament to recall Parliament. He indicated that his office has already started processes to recall the house in early November.”

The impasse emanated from the declaration of four seats vacant, tilting the balance of power to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Caucus rushed to the Supreme Court for an injunction against the ruling.

This injunction was disregarded by the Speaker who went on to adjourn the House sine dine after the NPP refused to attend sittings.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini