Speaker adjourning parliamentary proceedings indefinitely affects six key parlimentary businesses (affairs)

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has indefinitely adjourned parliamentary proceedings, leaving crucial legislative activities unresolved amidst ongoing controversy over vacant seats. This decision followed a dispute between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament. The NPP MPs walked out after NDC legislators took over their seats, claiming to constitute the majority.

Six (6) critical parliamentary businesses have been delayed due to the adjournment. Among them is the approval of the 2025 national budget, which is central to the government’s financial planning. The revocation of the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) on mining in forest reserves, a key demand by organized labor to prevent an impending strike, also remains pending. Other pressing issues include the approval of $250 million for the Ghana Financial Stability Fund and a $250 million loan for the energy sector. Additionally, $350 million worth of tax waivers that require parliamentary consent have been left in a state of uncertainty.

Bagbin explained to the House that while there were enough members to conduct basic business, there were insufficient numbers to pass decisions. After hearing from Madina MP Francis Xavier-Sosu on corrections to the parliamentary record, Bagbin addressed the uncertainty surrounding the status of four MPs whose seats had been declared vacant.

He further revealed that he had been served with a court notice regarding the matter of the four MPs. Addressing the House, Bagbin stated, “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.”