The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called for urgent and collaborative efforts in fulfilling the responsibilities assigned to members of the House.
In his opening address following Parliament’s return from break on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, the Speaker expressed concern over recent events in the country, particularly regarding security issues during the limited voter registration exercise.
“The signs and signals of happenings in the country do not assure hope. I shudder when I am told that people going to register carry knives and guns, just to go and write names.
“What about when we are going to vote, and at the end of it all, the results are announced, and someone else has carried the day and not the other? I shudder to picture what will happen,” he said.
The Speaker also highlighted the dire state of the youth in the country, emphasizing the urgent need to address issues such as employment to prevent further deterioration.
“Apart from that, the joblessness, the homelessness, and the hopelessness of the youth cannot be taken lightly. We must act together and now to prevent a journey to calamity or a journey of no return,” he stated.
He announced that he would lead the legislature in taking steps to engage stakeholders to ensure a free and fair presidential and parliamentary election on December 7, 2024.
This initiative aims to prevent any breaches of peace and stability that could arise from a disputed election.
Alban Bagbin revealed that the parliamentary team, along with prominent clergy members, will engage with the Electoral Commission (EC), the Police, the National Security Council, presidential candidates, party executives, and others, all with the goal of securing a peaceful election.