Ghana’s Parliament Adjourned Indefinitely Amidst Tensions Over Majority Dispute
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has adjourned the Ghanaian Parliament indefinitely, citing a lack of business for discussion due to the absence of the Majority caucus from the Chamber. This latest adjournment reflects ongoing tensions within the House, as both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) continue to dispute their respective statuses as the majority.
The recall session, initially set up by the NPP-led Majority caucus, was expected to address pressing legislative issues. However, the absence of NPP members in the Chamber left the House without an agenda, as the Business Committee—responsible for preparing the session's schedule—was unable to meet and organize parliamentary business due to their non-attendance.
Expressing disappointment, Speaker Bagbin noted that without input from the Business Committee, Parliament could not proceed. He emphasized that the absence of the NPP members, who had initially requested the recall, undermined the session’s purpose. “Matters that were supposed to be addressed by the House, and which were accepted for consideration, are absent from the Order Paper. In fact, there is no Order Paper today because the Business Committee failed to convene,” Bagbin stated.
The Speaker further highlighted the implications of the NPP members’ absence, noting that while a quorum was present, no substantive legislative agenda could be presented. “One side of the House is completely empty, which leaves us with a quorum but no agenda to address. In view of this, there is no authority to initiate business that has not been pre-approved by the House,” he added.
As Parliament remains at an impasse, the indefinite adjournment raises uncertainty about when the House will reconvene to address key legislative matters. This standoff highlights the broader political friction between the NDC and NPP over who holds the majority position in Parliament. The NDC claims it holds a majority with 136 seats, compared to the NPP’s 135, though the Supreme Court recently intervened by granting a stay on a ruling that had declared four seats vacant, a decision that further complicates the political landscape.
The indefinite suspension of parliamentary proceedings has stalled several critical issues, as the House is left in a state of flux without a clear timeline for resolution. This delay could potentially impact the legislative agenda and hinder Parliament’s ability to address upcoming national priorities, adding urgency to the need for a resolution between the two major political factions.
Bagbin’s decision to adjourn the House indefinitely rather than postponing day-by-day suggests a recognition of the unresolved nature of this parliamentary conflict. With no clear majority consensus, Parliament’s legislative duties remain stalled, leaving Ghanaians uncertain about when key issues will be addressed.
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