Parliament enhances security measures in preparation for the contentious Tuesday session
The Parliament of Ghana has unveiled security measures for the upcoming session on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
In a press release endorsed by Frederick Bawa, Deputy Marshall of Parliament, it was stated that the measures were implemented to safeguard the well-being of the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Suman Bagbin, MPs, and staff.
In order to safeguard the safety and security of the Right Honourable Speaker, Members of Parliament, and staff, Honourable Members are kindly asked to acknowledge the following:
a. Prior to entering the Chamber, all Members of Parliament, staff, and members of the press will undergo a comprehensive screening process. Bodyguards of Members of Parliament are not allowed to enter the Chamber.
Parking around the Grand Arena is prohibited for all vehicles. MPs must be taken to the designated drop-off locations within the confines of AICC,” a segment of the announcement indicated.
The notice further stated, “e. The Ghana Police Service will offer guidance to the specified drop-off area. MPs are instructed to wear their parliamentary identification badges. Access to the Chamber will commence at 0800 hours. Access to the public gallery has been restricted until further notice. Requesting the cooperation of all stakeholders in a respectful manner.
Security measures are being implemented as a result of a legal dispute among parliamentarians regarding the Minority status.
This decision comes after the Supreme Court issued an order to halt Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of four vacant seats in the Parliament.
The Supreme Court of Ghana temporarily suspended Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling on October 18, 2024, regarding the status of the four seats. This occurred following the hearing of an application by Members of Parliament from the New Patriotic Party before the highest court of the nation, presided over by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
The ruling made by the apex court has halted the enforcement of the Speaker’s decision made on October 17, 2024, until a thorough legal examination and ultimate decision are made.
The court noted that the Speaker’s ruling was causing a lack of representation for the four constituencies in Parliament. It was suggested that Bagbin’s choice could impede government operations in Parliament and create potential disruptions in managing the country’s affairs.
The Speaker’s decision raises concerns regarding constitutional interpretation and the democratic rights of Ghanaians to be represented and heard by their elected officials in Parliament. Bagbin approved a motion from the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is set to declare four seats vacant in response. In delivering his ruling, the Speaker pointed out that the decision of the MPs in question to run as independents or under a different party in the upcoming December 7, 2024, election violated Article 97 (g) and (h) of the 1992 Constitution.
He highlighted that the intent and practical impact of Article 97(g) and (h) was to tackle the problems of party-switching and defection seen in previous parliaments. He affirmed that Article 97 (g) (i) aims to uphold party loyalty for MPs during their time in Parliament.
He highlighted that the MPs in question have relinquished their seats due to their decision and the Notice of Polls issued by the Electoral Commission for the parliamentary elections on December 7, 2024.
The constituencies affected and their respective MPs are Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Amoako Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central).
