NDC commends Speaker of Parliament for displaying maturity
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has commended the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin for the mature leadership he displayed during parliamentary proceedings on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 describing it as exceptional.
According to the NDC, the Speaker’s handling of the business of Parliament on Tuesday was a masterclass.
In a statement signed by the General Secretary of the NDC, Fifi Kwetey, the party said:
“We applaud him for working in the interest of Parliament and the people of Ghana and enhancing the integrity of Parliament with his leadership.
“We are confident that ultimately, the integrity and independence of Parliamentary processes will be upheld and that the House will continue to prioritize the interests of the people of Ghana above partisan interests,” the statement read in part.
The party further praised its MPs for remaining firm.
“We also commend the NDC Majority Caucus for showing unwavering resoluteness.
Their steadfastness inspires confidence and hope in our determination to resist oppressors rule and to give expression to the truth that power ultimately belongs to the people. and no amt of government or institution can subvert the will of the people. The NDC remains resolute in its dedication to fostering democracy and ensuring a brighter, more prosperous future for all citizens”.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, adjourned sitting in the House indefinitely amid vacant seats controversy.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) lawmakers who had previously held the majority side of the aisle were present in the House when this decision was taken.
Due to a dispute with the opposition, who had seized their seats after asserting that they made up the majority, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) members of parliament had already left their seats.
During the brief sessions, Francis-Xavier Sosu and the Speaker decided that the record should be changed to show that the NPP group was the Minority when they left on Thursday.
The MP for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin who led the NPP MPs out of the chamber earlier, said they were retreating to their offices to await directives from the Speaker, Alban Sumana Bagbin, on the way forward.
The Speaker informing the House on Tuesday said although they have the numbers to transact business, the House did not have the numbers to make decisions.
“Hon. members, we don’t have at least half of all the 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 the public interest, and the exigencies of the affairs in Parliament. I will proceed to in accordance with standing order 59 adjourn the house indefinitely, that is sine die.
“Hon. members, I have consulted leadership and I’m exercising my discretion to decide to suspend the meeting of the house indefinitely, the house is accordingly adjourned sine die.”
This communication is crucial as it pertains to the ongoing legal battle surrounding the four parliamentary seats—two from the NPP, one from the NDC, and one independent—that were declared vacant by Bagbin on October 17.
