Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has indefinitely adjourned sitting amid a controversy over vacant seats, leaving several key parliamentary businesses in limbo.
This decision follows a dispute where National Democratic Congress (NDC) legislators occupied the Majority side of the aisle after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs walked out.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament had walked out earlier due to a controversy with the opposition, who had taken over their seats after claiming to constitute the majority.
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.”
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