Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has adjourned parliamentary proceedings indefinitely, stirring political tension.
The Speaker has instructed his lawyers to apply to set aside the Supreme Courts ruling.
“I will proceed in accordance with Standing Order 59 to adjourn the House indefinitely,” Bagbin announced on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, following consultations with parliamentary leadership.
The Speaker’s declaration comes amidst a growing political standoff over the status of four MPs whose seats were declared vacant by Bagbin, dramatically altering the balance of power in Parliament.
The ruling by Speaker Bagbin saw the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) claim the majority in Parliament with 136 seats, leaving the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) trailing with 135.
However, the Supreme Court intervened on October 18, issuing a stay of execution on the Speaker’s decision and allowing the four MPs—three NPP and one NDC—to retain their seats pending a final ruling.
Despite the court’s order, the NDC has remained steadfast, insisting on its newfound majority and challenging the judiciary’s ability to dictate parliamentary affairs.
This ongoing political deadlock has heightened tensions, with the NDC caucus asserting that Parliament, as an independent branch of government, must operate without interference from the judiciary.
Speaker Bagbin’s decision to suspend parliamentary proceedings indefinitely signals a deepening conflict between the legislative and judicial branches, leaving the nation’s governance in a state of uncertainty. “The House is accordingly adjourned,” Bagbin concluded.
