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.”
