Several key government businesses will be halted following the indefinite suspension of Ghana’s Parliament by Speaker Alban Bagbin.

The decision on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 follows the stalemate over which side of the House forms the Majority caucus after a Supreme Court ruling that seeks to stay the execution of the declaration of four seats vacant by the Speaker, last Thursday.

Earlier today, there was near chaos in the Chamber when some members of both sides attempted to occupy the right-hand side of the Speaker, designated for the Majority in Parliament.
During the confusion amidst very tight security, NPP MPs decided to vacate the Chamber, effectively leaving the NDC Members of Parliament alone in the Chamber.

While the House is adjourned, here are six key businesses affected by the adjournment:

1. Budget approval: The approval of the 2025 budget is key among the pending government businesses.

2. The revoking of L.I. on mining in forest reserves was a key condition given by organised labour as part of the conditions to rescind its planned strike action.

3. Approval of $250 million Ghana Financial Stability Fund.

4. Approval of $250 million Ghana Energy Sector loan

5. Approval of $350 million worth of tax waivers.

6. Approval of 2 Supreme Court nominees.

Alban Bagbin told the House that they had enough numbers to conduct business but acknowledged that it was not enough to make decisions.

After considering the Madina MP Francis Xavier-Sosu’s request for correction of the record from Thursday, the Speaker formally communicated his position going forward.

He also indicated that he has received a court process served on him as Speaker in the matter of the pronouncement on 4 MPs.

“We don’t have at least half of all members of parliament present. Consequently, in view of the current circumstances, the fact that there’s a question on the composition and constitution of Parliament, and having regard to public interest and the exigencies of the state of affairs in Parliament, I will proceed to, in accordance with Standing Orders 59, adjourn the House indefinitely.”

Seven of the 53 Democracy Hub protesters facing trial have been discharged. An Accra Circuit Court, on Tuesday, October 22 set free discharged 7 of 19 protesters who were arraigned before it.

When the case was called, the prosecution led by State Attorney Amanda Awadi told the court that the Republic had taken the decision to discontinue the matter against seven of the protesters.

They include Kingsley Asiedu, Seth Cofie, Vera Gloria Louis, Nii Quaye Hammond, Manuel Biney, Dorsese Joseph and Ernest Acheampong.
She further noted that new charge sheet would be filed against the remaining two accused persons in that set. The case has since been adjourned to November 21.

Lawyer Nicholas Normeshie, who represented the discharged protesters, expressed satisfaction with the state’s decision. He reiterated that his clients were innocent and cast doubt on the possibility of their re-arrest.

“The state made the right decision to drop the charges against these seven clients, as they were innocent of the accusations. From the state’s position, I highly doubt they will be re-arrested. If that were the case, it would have happened immediately after the court session,”
The prosecution of those on remand continues

Supporters of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) have gathered at Parliament House ahead of today’s sitting, as tensions rise over the leadership composition following a controversial ruling by Speaker Alban Bagbin.

Myxyzonline has learnt the NPP supporters, mainly from the Nsawam Aduagyiri constituency and clad in party apparel and paraphernalia arrived very early in over ten Sprinter buses.

They were reportedly bussed in by the NPP Caucus Chief Whip, Frank Annoh Dompreh, who has already been accused of breaching directives by entering the Chamber earlier than the 8am as announced.

NDC Mobilizing

In a related development, the NDC is also mobilizing its supporters to converge at Parliament House to show solidarity

A brief social media post by the NDC Greater Accra regional Youth Organizer, Amos Blessing rallied party supporters to wear their T-shirts and carry what he described as their campaign tools
The call is further fuelling fears of a possible violent clash if the situation is not handled properly
On Thursday, October 17, Speaker Bagbin declared four parliamentary seats vacant, three of which belong to the NPP, with the fourth held by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). This declaration sparked a leadership crisis, shifting the balance of power in Parliament.

With 136 seats, the NDC, previously the Minority, has now claimed to be the Majority, surpassing the NPP, which now holds 135 seats. The move led to significant confusion in the House, with both parties jostling over control.

However, on Friday, October 18, the Supreme Court intervened, issuing a stay of execution on Mr Bagbin’s ruling.

The court ordered that the four MPs whose seats had been declared vacant be allowed to represent their constituencies and fully participate in parliamentary duties until the substantive case is heard.

Ahead of the official commencement of Parliamentary proceedings today, Tuesday, October 22, 2024, both members of National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs have taken up seats on the majority side of the House, leaving the minority side completely vacant.

The unusual development follows the tango over which side constitutes the Majority side following the ruling by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin and the counter by the Supreme Court ordering the Stay of Execution.
XYZ Broadcasting Ltd’s Odeefuor Berchie reports that many of the NDC MPs including Dr Cassel Ato Forson, his deputy Kofi Asrmah Buah, Chief Whip Kwame Agbodza are all present.

He reports that the NPP Caucus Deputy Whip, Habib Iddrisu, occupied the Majority Leader’s seat, preventing the NDC Caucus leader from sitting there.

However, the NDC MPs swiftly moved the Minority Leader’s black chair from their side to the majority side, allowing their leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to take his place as Majority leader.

The atmosphere in Parliament is however cordial contrary to expectations of a possible faceoff or fisticuffs over the leadership crisis.

The stalemate in Parliament over which Parliamentary caucus constitutes the Majority is fuelling tension amidst appeals for cool heads to prevail to prevent chaos or any action that could disturb the peace of the country.

There is heavy deployment of armed Police and Military personnel with sniffer dogs while all Members of Parliament are to be thoroughly screened before given access to the Chamber.
All media personnel are to go through same protocol arrangements while the public gallery will be closed, according to a statement issued late last night.

This latest development follows the declaration by Speaker Bagbin that four parliamentary seats—three held by the NPP and one by the NDC—were vacant, shifting the balance of power in Parliament.
By that ruling, the NDC has 136 seats constituting the Majority side as the NPP side has reduced to 135.

However, on Friday, October 18, the Supreme Court issued a stay of execution on Speaker Bagbin’s decision, ruling that the four MPs must be allowed to continue representing their constituencies until the court reaches a final decision.

Despite the court’s ruling, the NDC caucus has refused to relinquish its newly claimed majority status, arguing that the judiciary cannot interfere with the operations of Parliament, which functions as an independent arm of government.

Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, the wife of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, has paid a working visit to the Ketu North Constituency of the Volta Region to campaign for John Mahama and parliamentary candidate Edem Agbana.

Mrs Mahama, in what has been described as a very impactful visit to mobilise grassroots support, met some chiefs and queen mothers in the constituency, seeking their blessings and prayers for the NDC’s campaign. She introduced the NDC parliamentary candidate, Edem Agbana, to the traditional leaders, encouraging them to support him for a decisive victory.

The former first lady lauded the party’s constituency leadership, emphasising that Mahama would secure victory in December with their dedication and hard work. She reaffirmed her husband’s steadfast commitment to the Volta Region, assuring the people that their loyalty to the NDC would always be rewarded with vital development projects.

Known as a philanthropist and advocate for women’s and children’s welfare through her Lordina Foundation, Mrs Mahama underscored the significance of initiatives such as the Women’s Development Bank, the National Apprenticeship Programme, and the implementation of a 24-hour economic policy, particularly for women and the youth.

She assured women involved in small enterprises that they would gain access to affordable funding for their businesses under the Mahama administration.

At the Afife Health Centre, Mrs Mahama donated medical equipment to enhance healthcare delivery services. Dr. Sampson Mortty thanked the former first lady for her generous donation, adding that the timing of her contribution is excellent and will significantly alleviate the challenges faced by the health team.

He noted the persistent struggle with inadequate medical equipment and supplies and expressed confidence that the donated supplies would greatly enhance their capacity to deliver effective care.

Edem Agbana also thanked Mrs Mahama for her quick response to the plea to support the facility. He assured his constituents that a future Mahama administration would revitalise the health facility and provide additional resources to improve services.

The National Peace Council has convened an emergency meeting ahead of what is expected to be a tense parliamentary session on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

The meeting aims to prevent disruptions following the Supreme Court’s decision to halt Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling, which had declared four parliamentary seats vacant.

Tensions have been mounting, with the Minority in Parliament signalling their intention to occupy the Majority side of the chamber until the Speaker issues a new ruling.

This standoff arises amidst political uncertainty concerning the balance of power in the legislature.

The primary goal of the meeting is to ensure that Tuesday’s session proceeds peacefully, avoiding any potential chaos.

Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, a member of the National Peace Council and spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, stressed the importance of caution and urged all parties to act responsibly to prevent escalating tensions.

“We don’t want to see anything untoward happen tomorrow. There have even been suggestions that military personnel might be deployed, though there is no solid basis for that. Still, we must prepare for any outcome,” he stated.

Sheikh Shaibu advised that the various arms of government set aside political sentiments and view the current situation as an opportunity to strengthen Ghana’s democracy.

“This moment is not about one party or the other. It is about reaching a point in our democratic journey where crucial decisions must be made for the betterment of our future,” he added.

WE WILL SIMPLY WALK OUT – Afenyo Markin

The leader of the NPP caucus in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has served notice, his side of the House are not ready and will not be involved in any action that has the potential of stoking violence in Parliament when the House reconvenes on Tuesday, October 22.

He says worst case if tensions escalate, members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), are prepared to simply walk out rather than engage in any confrontation.

His comment follows public concerns about the ensuing constitutional crisis and the security implications especially after the NDC MPs issued a strong caution to the Ghana Armed Forces not to dare in deploying soldiers to Parliament as was witnessed in the aftermath of the 2020 elections.

The NDC has signalled their intention to occupy the Majority side of the chamber and take immediate action on several legislative matters, including amendments to the Communication Tax (e-levy) and appointing a new Second Deputy Speaker.

Source :myxxyzonline

National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has reiterated the party’s commitment to expand rural electrification nationwide, if it wins the December 7, General Election.

According to him, connecting rural communities onto the national electricity grid remains essential to open and spur rapid socio-economic growth development and thereby improve the living conditions of the rural population.

Mr Nketiah said this when he addressed a political rally at Biema in the Banda district, as part of his Election 2024 “Retail Campaign” tour of the Bono Region.

He emphasized that development remained a continuous process, saying as the needs of the people evolved, an NDC government would also do more to tackle those needs and make life better and comfortable for the people.

“The NDC is focused on building a prosperous nation that will enhance the socio-economic livelihoods of the people”, Mr Nketiah stated, and urged everybody to contribute to a violent-free General Election.

Mr Nketiah said “the electioneering must be based on issues, centred around ideas that will enhance human resources development of the nation and improve the well-being of people”.

He called on the electorates to vote and maintain Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, the NDC incumbent Member of Parliament for the Banda Constituency and urged the MP to continue with the good work and bring the development of the constituency to the next level.

At Banda Boase, Nana Ligbi Wullitei II, the Chief of the town, expressed concern about bad roads and inadequate educational facilities in the area and called for the expansion of the local market to stimulate economic growth and development.

The tour also took Mr Nketiah and his entourage to Nkosia, Nkyeraa, Subinso Number Two and Wurumpo in the Wenchi constituency.

He called on the electorates there to vote for the former President John Dramani Mahama the NDC’s Presidential Candidate and Alhaji Seidu Haruna, the NDC incumbent MP for the Wenchi constituency.

Source – GNA