The governments of Ghana and the United Kingdom (UK) through Parliament and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), in collaboration with the World Bank, will today launch a new support initiative.
The project aims to enhance the capacity of Members of Parliament (MPs) and their staff in economic and financial governance to improve legislative efficiency and oversight.
Under the theme “Building the Capacity of Parliamentarians for Economic and Financial Governance Project,” the event is taking place at the Justice D.F. Annan Auditorium, Parliament House, Accra, at 10am on Wednesday, June 18.
Rt Hon. Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin is the Special Guest of Honour for the event.
The Minority in Parliament has urged the Speaker to take immediate action to protect constitutional rights and parliamentary protocols after an attempted arrest of Assin South MP, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour.
The incident, which took place on Wednesday, has raised concerns about the handling of elected officials by security agencies.
The Minority argues that the attempt by National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) officers to arrest the MP at his Spintex home was done without following the proper procedures required when dealing with sitting MPs.
In a formal letter to the Speaker, the Minority’s Chief Whip, Frank Annoh Dompreh, emphasized the need to respect the privileges of Parliament.
The letter also warned that ignoring these procedures could weaken the power and independence of the legislature.
The attempted arrest is believed to be linked to ongoing investigations into alleged drug trafficking and money laundering involving two international flights that passed through Ghana in March 2025.
However, the exact nature of Reverend Fordjour’s involvement remains unclear.
The Minority stressed that any investigation must follow the proper legal process and ensure the protection of MPs’ rights.
They called on Speaker Alban Bagbin to act swiftly to assert his authority and prevent such incidents from happening again.
Effutu MP and Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has stood by the difficult choices he made during the 8th Parliament, recognizing the criticism but maintaining that they were essential.
During an appearance on The KSM Show on Friday, March 14, he emphasized that dealing with a formidable Minority Caucus demanded a strong and decisive stance.
Addressing his legal action against Speaker Alban Bagbin over the declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant, Afenyo-Markin argued that with neither side willing to find common ground, seeking intervention from the courts became the most viable option.
“I was alone, and I had to carry everything on my shoulders. So, seeing me boisterous, seeing me punching, it was a necessary intervention.
“For instance, when I eventually became Majority Leader and the Speaker ruled against us, people asked, ‘Oh, why didn’t you negotiate? Why did you run to the Supreme Court?’ All doors were shut completely shut, to any form of engagement,” he stated.
Afenyo-Markin pointed out that with elections approaching, the political landscape suggested that the Speaker, given his ties to the opposition, would not maintain neutrality.
“The Speaker can never be neutral. The Speaker belongs to a party. And I knew that he was also doing the bidding of his party. The pressure that I put on him was similar, if not less, than the pressure he was receiving from his own party.”
He continued, “We had engaged him, but it was clear that while he would listen, he would not rule in our favor. And as the leader, I had to take action.”
The Minority Leader stressed that upholding the Speaker’s ruling would have shifted control of parliamentary affairs to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“What that meant practically was that there could be no government business. It also meant that the leadership of committees would have to change, altering committee compositions. Many people did not realize the implications of that.
“If it had been allowed to stand, the new majority would have dictated to the government what it should do. And our friends were eager to play that political game. I had no choice but to seek interpretation from the Supreme Court, and that’s exactly what I did.”
In a notice dated December 2, 2024, he announced that Parliament will reconvene on Monday, December 16, 2024, to handle pressing legislative business.
This decision comes shortly after Bagbin rejected a request from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Caucus for an emergency recall ahead of the December 7, 2024, general elections. Responding to the request in a memo dated November 26, 2024, the Speaker stated that reconvening Parliament so close to the elections would not align with the nation’s best interests.
He emphasised that the parliamentary calendar recognises election campaign periods as critical times when both the government and Members of Parliament engage with the public to present their manifestos and account for their stewardship.
“Pursuant to Order 58 of the Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana, I, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, hereby give notice that the Seventh Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic shall commence on Monday, the 16th day of December 2024, at ten o’clock in the forenoon at a place to be appointed by the Speaker in due course,” the statement signed by the Speaker said.
Speaker Alban Bagbin recently turned down a request from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Caucus to call Parliament back for an emergency sitting ahead of the December 7, 2024, general elections.
In a memo dated November 26, 2024, Bagbin explained that recalling Parliament so close to the elections would not serve the country’s best interest. He noted that this period is set aside for election campaigns, where both the government and Members of Parliament focus on engaging with citizens, sharing their plans, and being accountable for their time in office.
“Again, as you are aware, the parliamentary calendar acknowledges election campaign periods. This season is for the Government, Parties, and both presidential and parliamentary candidates to present their manifestos to the people and to account and justify how the mandate given them by the voters for the four-year term of office has been applied to the benefit of the people,” parts of the memo read.
Bagbin further noted that the proposed two days (November 28 and 29) suggested by the Leader of Government Business, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, would not be sufficient for the House to address the twenty-two urgent items on the agenda.
“It is worth noting that, having regard to the practice and deliberations of the House, I wonder how the proposed twenty-two items could be transacted within two days.
“The national interest would better be served if members exhibit conduct of honour, empathy, and humility in the performance of their duties. In the circumstances, I am neither inclined nor disposed to exercise my discretion in favour of your request. The request is accordingly declined,” he stated.
In conclusion, Alban Bagbin said, “The House will resume sitting after the elections to complete all essential matters before a seamless transition to the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.”
The Speaker’s response comes after the New Patriotic Party Caucus in Parliament appealed for an emergency recall to address pressing government business.
Founding president ofIMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has voiced his disappointment regarding the Supreme Court’s apparent double standards in the matter of the four parliamentary seats declared vacant by Speaker Alban Bagbin.
In a recent opinion piece, Cudjoe remarked on the Chief Justice’s heightened concern over this case, contrasting it with the lack of attention given to the constituents of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lolobi, and Likpe (SALL).
He pointed out that when residents of SALL sought judicial intervention after being disenfranchised during the 2020 parliamentary elections, the Supreme Court did not address their grievances with the same urgency as it did in the case involving the MPs whose seats were declared vacant by Speaker Bagbin.
“And yet, when my SALL people were deliberately disenfranchised and we ran to the same Supreme Court for protection, it did not offer this level of comfort it so lavishly and without shame displayed on Wednesday towards other constituencies.
“We had gone to the Supreme Court to expeditiously protect our rights that had been violated and had the highest risk of being violated for the duration of the existing Parliament.”
Franklin Cudjoe expressed scepticism regarding the urgency with which the court addressed the case of the four MPs whose seats were declared vacant, questioning why such rapid action was taken. He suggested that this haste may be linked to the potential impact on the MPs’ salaries and other benefits.
TheSupreme Court ruled to grant a stay of execution on Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of the four vacant seats, citing that no lawful by-elections could be conducted to replace the affected MPs between October 17, 2024, and January 7, 2025.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, who led the five-member panel overseeing the case, emphasised that this timeline was a significant factor in the court’s decision to grant the stay of execution.
“This exceptional circumstance arising from the outcome of the ruling weighed on the mind of the Supreme Court to grant an order directing a stay of execution of the ruling of the Speaker on 17th October 2024.”
However, Franklin Cudjoe questioned why the Supreme Court did not apply the same reasoning it used against SALL to lawyers representing the Majority Leader.
“What was so special about the four constituencies whose MPs had abandoned in their hearts that the Supreme Court can even entertain the hearing of an ex-parte motion procured cheaply at the speed of light and rule on that? That the delinquent MPs’ salaries and emoluments will be affected? Really??”
Read his opinion below:
I am so shocked at the level of hypocrisy and double standards displayed by the Supreme Court today. The Chief Justice was so invested in the representation of constituents whose pampered MPs had decided to abandon them for other parties after representing them for nearly four years.
And yet, when my SALL people were deliberately disenfranchised and we ran to the same Supreme Court for protection, it did not offer this level of comfort it so lavishly and without shame displayed today towards other constituencies.
We had gone to the Supreme Court to expeditiously protect our rights that had been violated and had the highest risk of being violated for the duration of the existing Parliament.
So we went to the High Court to start our SALL case. Guess what? After three years of making our case, the High Court ruled a few months ago that it had no jurisdiction to hear our case.
For four years, we have been rendered orphans and ostracised by the system and yet we paid taxes although we saw no development. We are appealing to the Superior Court. However, with Wednesday’s contrived, shambolic display of ‘politically biassed’ support for some Ghanaians, I am not sure we will get to be heard until forever.
What was so special about the four constituencies whose MPs had abandoned in their hearts that the Supreme Court can even entertain the hearing of an ex-parte motion procured cheaply at the speed of light and rule on that?
That the delinquent MPs’ salaries and emoluments will be affected? Really?? Why didn’t the Supreme Court rely on the same principle it applied against SALL to lawyers of the Majority Leader? This is just precocious judicial terrorism aided by legal plunder. Sad.
Committee, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Employment, Social Welfare, and State Enterprises Committee, Dr. Kwabena Donkor, has openly criticised the Supreme Court’s recent dismissal of Speaker Alban Bagbin’s application.
Speaker Bagbin had filedto overturn an earlier ruling preventing him from declaring four parliamentary seats vacant.
The Supreme Court’s ruling, delivered on Wednesday, October 30, upheld its prior decision, effectively barring Speaker Bagbin from proceeding with the seat declarations and preserving the current occupants.
In an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News with Selorm Adonoo, Dr. Donkor accused the Supreme Court of prioritising political considerations over legal principles.
He took particular issue with the Chief Justice’s stance that the court’s decision aimed to prevent leaving thousands of constituents temporarily unrepresented if the Speaker’s declarations were upheld.
The Chief Justice argued in her ruling that maintaining current representation was crucial, as declaring the seats vacant would leave constituencies without parliamentary voice until by-elections could be held.
Dr. Donkor challenged this reasoning, calling it inconsistent and pointing to the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL), who have been without representation in Parliament since the 2020 elections due to administrative and boundary issues.
He argued that the court’s position on representation fails to address the ongoing disenfranchisement of the SALL communities, highlighting a selective application of the principle of representation.
He also questioned the impartiality of the court’s decisions, expressing concern over the judiciary’s role in ensuring fair and democratic representation for all Ghanaians.
“The decision is not a legal one but a political one. I have also stated that this particular Supreme Court is more political than legal.
If you listened to the argument of theChief Justice in her rulingthat thousands of Ghanaians will not have representation if the ruling of the Speaker is not stayed, it is the most flawed reasoning I have heard in Ghana’s political economy.
“It is flawed because Parliament, per its calendar, will be rising in two weeks from today. And also, the people of SALL have been without representation, and they are not Ghanaians.”
Speaker Alban Bagbin has adjourned Parliament indefinitely. This decision follows the ongoing controversy surrounding his ruling on the vacant seats in Parliament.
In his address, Speaker Bagbin noted a recent Supreme Court ruling concerning the status of four Members of Parliament, allowing them to retain their seats pending a final decision on the matter.
“Honorable members, as you may recall, on Thursday, I informed the house pursuant to Standing Order 18 of the Standing Orders of Parliament on the occurrence of vacancies in the house in relation to four honorable members. Yesterday, I received a process from the Supreme Court, which is a ruling from the Supreme Court pursuant to an ex parte application directing Parliament to recognize and allow the four affected Members of Parliament to duly represent their constituents and conduct the full scope of duties of their offices as members of Parliament, pending a final determination of a suit filed by Honorable Alexander Afenyo-Markin,” he told the house.
Citing Articles 102 and 104 of the Constitution, further explained the constitutional requirements for a quorum and decision-making in Parliament.
“By Article 102 of the Constitution, 1992, and Order 64 (1) of the Standing Orders of Parliament, I note that we currently have a quorum to transact business, but not to take decisions. Article 102 reads, ‘A quorum of Parliament, apart from the person presiding, shall be one-third of all the members of Parliament.’ As presently constituted, the numbers are definitely far above one-third of the members of Parliament. But by Article 104, the numbers are not sufficient for us to take decisions. Article 104 (1) says, ‘Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution, matters in Parliament shall be determined by the vote of the majority of members present and voting, with at least half of all the members of Parliament present.’ Honourable members, we don’t have at least half of all the members of Parliament present.”.
Given the current circumstances and the question on the composition and constitution of Parliament, Speaker Bagbin decided to adjourn the house indefinitely. He cited Standing Orders 59, which allows the Speaker, in consultation with leadership, to suspend a meeting of the house indefinitely or for a period determined by the Speaker, considering the public interest and the exigencies of the state of affairs in the country.
“The house is accordingly adjourned sine die,” Speaker Bagbin concluded.
This indefinite adjournment raises significant questions about the legislative process and governance in Ghana, as key decisions and legislative activities are now on hold until further notice.
Background and Reactions The controversy began when Speaker Bagbin declared the seats of four Members of Parliament vacant on October 17, 2024. The affected MPs are: Andrew Asiamah Amoako (Independent, Fomena Constituency), Cynthia Morrison (NPP, Agona West Constituency), Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah (NDC, Amenfi Central Constituency), Kwadjo Asante (NPP, Suhum Constituency).
The Supreme Court intervened, issuing a ruling to stay the Speaker’s decision and allowing the MPs to retain their seats until a final determination is made. The court emphasized that the Speaker’s declaration deprived the affected constituencies of representation and could disrupt government business.
Reactions to the Supreme Court’s ruling have been mixed. Legal experts have stressed the importance of adhering to court rulings to maintain order and prevent chaos. The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has urged Parliament to comply with the Supreme Court’s decision to avoid further instability.
Meanwhile, the NDC Caucus in Parliament has challenged the ruling, arguing that parliamentary proceedings should not be subject to judicial interference and has gone ahead to assume majority status.
Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana)has called on Parliament, including Speaker Alban Bagbin, to strictly adhere to the Supreme Court’s recent rulings regarding the status of four contested parliamentary seats.
This appeal follows the Court’s stay on the Speaker’s earlier declaration of those seats as vacant, which arose after Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson invoked constitutional provisions regarding MPs who change their political affiliations.
In its statement, CDD-Ghana acknowledged the legal dispute triggered by the Speaker’s actions and the Majority Leader’s petition to the Supreme Court, which resulted in a temporary halt to the Speaker’s decision.
The Center emphasized the importance of Parliament cooperating fully with the judiciary to ensure that the rule of law is respected, particularly as the 2024 elections approach. It warned that any non-compliance with the Court’s directives could risk destabilising the political landscape.
CDD-Ghana further urged Parliament to file all necessary legal documents within the Court’s specified deadlines and stressed the need for all parties to act with responsibility and respect for Ghana’s constitutional framework.
While Parliament retains the right to seek a review of the Court’s decision, the Center underscored that adherence to the Court’s orders is crucial for maintaining political stability and upholding democratic principles.
Below is the full statement by CDD-Ghana
The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has closely monitored recent developments in Parliament since October 15, 2024, when the Minority Leader, Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, invoked Article 97(1)(g) of the 1992 Constitution to raise concerns about the presumed vacation of four (4) parliamentary seats.
The Centre equally followed the Speaker of Parliament’s subsequent declaration on October 17, 2024, that vacancies had indeed occurred concerning the seats of those four (4) MPs—two (2) from the NPP, one from the NDC, and one independent.
The Centre has also followed, with keen interest, Majority Leader Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s application to the Supreme Court challenging the Speaker’s authority to declare the vacancies and the Court’s subsequent intervention on October 18, 2024, staying the Speaker’s ruling and directing Parliament to allow the affected MPs to continue with the performance of their duties until the case is fully determined.
We have taken due notice of the instruction given to the Speaker and the Attorney General to file their statements of case within seven (7) days of service, followed by a joint memorandum of issues for hearing.
CDD-Ghana acknowledges the diversity of views in the public discourse surrounding this issue, particularly the legal opinions regarding both the Speaker’s actions and the Supreme Court’s intervention. Without a doubt, this situation presents a novel challenge to Ghana’s constitutional practice. It requires careful and sensitive handling to prevent the onset of constitutional and political turmoil, particularly as the country approaches the 2024 general elections.
The Center strongly urges all Members of Parliament, political parties, the Executive, and the media to act with maximum restraint, a sense of responsibility, and respect for the letter and spirit of the constitutional principles and processes that underpin Ghana’s democracy.
It implores all stakeholders to prioritise the preservation of the nation’s peace and stability and work diligently to avoid a recurrence of the regrettable scenes witnessed during the Speaker’s election on January 7, 2021.
To deescalate the current tension and uphold the rule of law, CDD-Ghana encourages the Speaker and Parliament to fully comply with the Supreme Court’s directions, notwithstanding disagreements with the ruling. The timely filing of the required legal documents will ensure the case proceeds swiftly and help provide clarity and resolution. The Speaker and Parliament also retain the option to seek a review of the Court’s decision, should it find it necessary.
Looking ahead,CDD-Ghana calls for a deep reflection on the relevant constitutional provisions governing parliamentary seats, especially during election years. It is vital to ensure that remedies are available for affected individuals and parties without plunging the nation into legal or political uncertainty.
Additionally, CDD-Ghana believes that all outstanding cases seeking to disqualify any candidate from the upcoming elections should be resolved expeditiously. This will ensure that no candidate is unfairly deprived of their rights or opportunity to contest, maintaining fairness in the electoral process.
In the spirit of national unity, we urge all Ghanaians to remain calm, respect the judicial process, and continue to uphold peace as we collectively safeguard Ghana’s democracy.
Parliament has ramped up security measures for all sessions starting Tuesday, October 22, in response to the ongoing debate surrounding the constitutional status of four parliamentary seats.
This decision comes after recent political and legal developments, where Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson challenged the validity of these seats under Article 97(1)(g) of the 1992 Constitution.
On October 17, Speaker Alban Bagbin declared the seats vacant, but the Supreme Court intervened the following day, temporarily suspending the ruling and allowing the MPs to continue their duties until a final verdict is reached.
To safeguard the Speaker, MPs, and staff during these sensitive times, Parliament announced enhanced security measures in a press release signed by Frederick Bawa (retired), the Deputy Marshall of Parliament.
These steps include strict screening of all MPs, staff, and journalists before they enter the Chamber. Bodyguards will also be prohibited from entering the Chamber during the sessions.
In addition, parking restrictions will be enforced around the Grand Arena, with MPs required to use designated drop-off zones at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC). The Ghana Police Service will manage these arrangements and direct MPs to appropriate areas.
MPs must wear their identification tags for quick verification, and entry to the Chamber will be allowed from 8:00 a.m. Public access to the gallery has been temporarily suspended to prevent public attendance at parliamentary sessions, further reducing the chances of disruption during these potentially heated discussions.
These measures are intended to ensure order and mitigate any possible tensions during this critical period.
“Respectfully counting on the cooperation of all,” the statement read, urging all MPs and staff to comply with the new guidelines to ensure the smooth and secure continuation of parliamentary business.
These enhanced security measures come at a critical time as the nation awaits further developments on the constitutional challenges in Parliament.
With heightened public interest in the case, it is expected that these restrictions will help maintain calm and order within the legislative body.
Leading member of the New Patriotic Party, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, has asked members of Ghana’s Parliament to be guided by maturity and avoid anarchy when the House resumes on Tuesday for business.
According to the private legal practitioner, who is also a cousin of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, leaders from the two caucuses in the House must meet to agree on pertinent issues before Tuesday’s meeting.
“Parliament must, by all means, avoid a situation of seeming chaos and anarchy on Tuesday. I suggest the two leaders and the Speaker meet before then to agree or agree to disagree on the next steps.
Not long to Dec 7, let maturity be our guide and guard,” he wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko’s advice comes in the wake of Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant and the subsequent Supreme Court ruling that temporarily overturned the Speaker’s decision.
On Thursday, October 17, 2024, Speaker Bagbin invoked Article 97(g) and (h) of the 1992 Constitution to declare the seats vacant, citing the 2020 precedent involving Fomena MP, Andrew Amoako Asiamah.
However, on Friday, October 18, 2024, the Supreme Court issued a stay of execution on Bagbin’s ruling.
The Court directed Parliament to allow the affected MPs—Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central), and Andrew Asiamah (Fomena)—to continue representing their constituencies and performing their duties until a final verdict is delivered.
The Supreme Court’s directive will remain in effect beyond the 10 days initially requested, lasting until the Court delivers its final judgement on the matter.
The application to stay the Speaker’s decision was filed by Members of Parliament from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who sought the Court’s intervention to prevent the ruling from affecting three of their members and one from the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, the NDC caucus has asserted that, based on the Speaker’s declaration, they are now the Majority in Parliament and intend to assert their rights when the House reconvenes on Tuesday.
The embattled Majority caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has fiercely criticised Speaker Alban Bagbin’sdecision to declare the seats of four Members of Parliament (MPs) vacant.
This ruling followed a motion filed by former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, citing constitutional requirements for MPs who wish to run as independent candidates or change party affiliations.
The MPs affected by this decision are Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central).
The ruling poses a significant shift in the power dynamics within Parliament, potentially allowing the National Democratic Congress (NDC)-led Minority Caucus to gain a majority over the New Patriotic Party (NPP)-led Majority Caucus.
Currently, the NDC holds 136 seats compared to the NPP’s 135, a shift that could influence important votes and decisions as the country approaches the 2024 general elections.
In a statement released on October 17, the Majority Caucus accused Speaker Bagbin of overstepping his authority by preemptively ruling on this matter, which they argue should be determined by the Supreme Court.
They contend that this decision undermines the principle of separation of powers and infringes on the judicial responsibility of resolving such issues.
The statement described Bagbin’s ruling as a “serious violation” of parliamentary procedure and an example of judicial overreach. The Majority caucus insists that the question of whether these MPs should lose their seats should have been left to the courts rather than being addressed by the Speaker without delay.
This development has escalated political tensions within Parliament, with the Majority caucus indicating its plans to contest the ruling through legal means while also contemplating its wider implications for the legislative process.
“The Speaker’s actions constitute a clear usurpation of powers vested in the Supreme Court of Ghana under Articles 2(1) and 130 of the 1992 Constitution. These provisions explicitly empower the Supreme Court with the authority to interpret and enforce constitutional matters.
“Furthermore, the Speaker’s actions contravene Article 99(1) of the Constitution, which vests the High Court with jurisdiction to determine questions of parliamentary membership validity.
By preemptively ruling on this issue, the Speaker has egregiously undermined the separation of powers that is fundamental to our democracy.”
They expressed concerns about the Speaker’s disregard for the ongoing judicial processes.
“Disregard for Ongoing Judicial Processes: It is particularly troubling that the Speaker proceeded with this ruling despite being fully aware that the matter of the meaning and effect of Article 94(1)(g) was pending before the Supreme Court.
“The Majority Leader had filed a suit against the Speaker of Parliamentand the Attorney General on October 15, 2024, seeking constitutional interpretation of the said provision, and formally notified the Speaker of this fact during the parliamentary session on October 16, 2024. Crucially, Parliament was officially served with the writ through its Legal Department on October 16, 2024, a day before the Speaker’s ruling.”
In response to the Speaker’s decision, the Majority staged a walkout and has vowed to boycott Parliament until the matter is decided by the Supreme Court.
Members of Parliament from the National Democratic Congress (NDC),who were previously part of the Minority Caucus in Ghana’s 8th Parliament, have now transitioned to the Majority side of the House.
This significant and unprecedented shift occurred on Thursday, October 17, 2024, after Speaker Alban Bagbin announced that four parliamentary seats were now vacant, causing a reorganisation of the parliamentary structure.
It follows a move by the NDC MPs on the Speaker, based on Article 97 [1(g) & (h)] of the 1992 Constitution, which states that “A member of Parliament shall vacate his seat in Parliament if he leaves the party of which he was a member at the time of his election to Parliament to join another party or seeks to remain in Parliament as an independent member; or if he was elected a member of Parliament as an independent candidate and joins a political party.”
Background:
On Tuesday, Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader,revealed that he has filed for an injunction to prevent Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, from declaring four parliamentary seats vacant.
His decision to seek legal intervention comes in response to a memo from Haruna Iddrisu, MP for Tamale South, who previously informed the Speaker of his caucus’s intention to invoke Article 97(g).
The article demands that the seats of three MPs from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and one MP from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) be declared vacant.
This request followed the decision by the MPs for Agona West and Suhum, both members of the NPP, to file nominations as independent candidates for the 2024 parliamentary election.
Additionally, the independent MP for Fomena has filed to contest under the NPP’s ticket, while the Amenfi Central MP from the NDC has chosen to run as an independent candidate.
Afenyo-Markin’s move is aimed at halting the Speaker’s actions concerning these vacancies.
Article 97 [1(g) & (h)] of the 1992 Constitution states that “a member of Parliament shall vacate his seat in Parliament if he leaves the party of which he was a member at the time of his election to Parliament to join another party or seeks to remain in Parliament as an independent member; or if he was elected a member of Parliament as an independent candidate and joins a political party.”
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has announced that Parliament meetings will be conducted at the Dome of the International Conference Centre when sessions resume on September 3.
He communicated this in a letter he signed on August 27, 2024, “In view of the notice of summons on August 7, 2024, and pursuant to Article 112 of the Constitution, I appoint the Dome of the International Conference Centre as the meeting place.”
The venue change is necessitated by ongoing repairs to the main chamber for the 9th Parliament, which will not be finished in time for the scheduled return.
During a recent inspection of the chamber, Speaker Bagbin reported that the repairs—covering updates to workstations, chairs, and other furnishings—are projected to cost €2.26 million.
After Speaker Bagbin abruptly announced a sine die recess, the Majority Caucus called for the recall to address pressing national issues.
The recall was brought about by the Majority Leader’s disapproval of the Speaker’s choice. It will deal with public matters, such as an ongoing lending facility and unpaid invoices.
Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has embarked on a trip to Geneva, Switzerland, to attend the 148th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly from March 23rd to March 27th, 2024.
Setting off from Accra on March 21st, 2024, Mr. Bagbin begins his journey, flying first-class and scheduled to return on March 28th.
Financed by the citizens of Ghana, Mr. Bagbin’s participation in the IPU Assembly highlights the country’s dedication to global parliamentary dialogue and collaboration.
As the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Bagbin serves as Ghana’s representative on the international stage, engaging in diplomatic relations and sharing ideas with counterparts from various nations.
During his stay in Geneva, Mr. Bagbin will contribute to discussions on crucial global issues such as democracy, human rights, and sustainable development, alongside parliamentarians from around the world.
Given his prominent role in Ghanaian politics, Mr. Bagbin’s insights hold significance both domestically and internationally, amplifying Ghana’s stance on important global matters.
Additionally, this opportunity allows Mr. Bagbin to connect with fellow parliamentarians, build alliances, and explore potential collaborations on shared interests.
By participating in the IPU Assembly, Ghana reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism and cooperation, strengthening diplomatic relations and engagement with the international community.
Upon his return,Mr. Bagbin is expected to share the knowledge and experiences gained from the IPU Assembly, enriching parliamentary discussions and policy debates within Ghana.
Overall, Mr. Bagbin’s trip to Geneva showcases Ghana’s active involvement in global affairs, showcasing its dedication to upholding shared values and contributing to global governance efforts.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has issued a warning, stating that he may cite Chairmen of Parliamentary Select Committees for contempt if they continue to delay the submission of reports.
This comes after accusations were made against the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Kwaku Kwarteng, by the Chairman of the Trade, Industry and Tourism Committee, Carlos Ahenkorah, and the Minister for Trade and Industry, K.T Hammond.
The accusations revolve around the alleged failure of the Finance Committee to consider and report to the plenary on tax waiver requests for factories under the One District One Factory Policy (1D1F).
The Speaker emphasized the importance of timely reporting, especially on matters such as tax waiver requests, and urged committees to submit reports for further action.
“My attention was drawn to one of them some time ago, and I spoke to the chairman of the committee. If you have any concerns, report to the house. But we cannot refer matters to a committee, and the committee on its own decides that it will not report to the house, and that ends the matter. That is unacceptable.”
“We may in future be compelled to take contempt cases against some of your people, and as leaders you also know that they disqualify themselves from holding some positions. When you are chair of a committee, and you are not performing, the standing orders allow the leadership to recommend for replacement,” he said.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has strongly criticized President Akufo-Addo’s decision not to assent to the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill and Ghana Armed Forces Amendment Bill.
In a passionate address to Parliament, Bagbin accused the President of being “tragically wrong” and “ill-informed” in his rationale for rejecting the bills.
President Akufo-Addo, in a letter, cited financial implications on the state’s consolidated fund and potential breaches of Article 108 of the Constitution as reasons for his refusal. He specifically highlighted the Ghana Armed Forces Amendment Bill, sponsored by MP Francis-Xavier Sosu, as having financial burdens associated with replacing the death penalty with life imprisonment.
However, Bagbin vehemently dismissed these concerns, asserting that the President was misguided in his assessment of the bills’ financial implications.
“Vehemently we disagree with the position taken by the president. The president has gotten it tragically wrong and I will submit in the form of a statement under article 53 my position in this matter and allow members of the house to make comments so that we can take a clear position in this matter.
“And I will do so during this week. The president has not been properly advised. The President has not been properly informed about the processes this bill has gone through. So I will submit a detailed write-up on it for members to make their comments but I am very clear that this message and the contents are irregular, wrongful and unconstitutional.
“The responsibility to decide whether a bill should come from a private member or not rests on the person presiding. The procedure in the act clearly states what the president is expected to do. It is not for the president to decide on the constitutionality or otherwise of a bill that has been presented and considered by parliament. This power of parliament will not be taken away by any exemptive authority,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo justifies his decision not to agree to the Criminal Offenses Amendment Bill 2023.
According to him, it's a violation of Article 108 of the constitution and will have a heavy financial impact on the state's consolidated fund as well. pic.twitter.com/MCVZgxidXg
Speaker Alban Bagbin has indicated that the approval or otherwise of the 2024 economic and budget statement will be determined next week.
Parliament was expected to vote on the 2024 budget today, as the order paper of Parliament suggested that a headcount for the approval of the 2024 budget would be conducted.
In Parliament today, the majority of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament were absent. The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, was however present in the chamber.
On Wednesday, the Members of Parliament on the Majority side staged a walkout as the House voted on the 2024 economic and budget statement presented by Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.
The House was scheduled to approve or reject the budget statement. Speaker Alban Bagbin held a voice vote, which caused tension between the two sides in the House.
Per the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s remarks on the floor of Parliament, the “Yes” had it on the approval of the budget.
“You are saying that you said you think the” yes” have it and left it at that. Which you normally do. But you went further to indicate firmly that the “yes” have it. “
But the Speaker noted that he expressed his opinion about the “yes” likely having it.
“Honourable members, I did not proceed to say the ‘yes’ have it,” the Speaker said.
The Deputy Minority Leader then challenged the Speaker’s opinion and called for a headcount. The Speaker then called for a headcount vote.
Following the Speaker’s comment, there was disarray in Parliament after a Minority MP called for the removal of John Kumah, Ken Agyapong, and two others, as they were not present at the time the motion for a headcount vote was posed.
The Majority MPs continued to express dissatisfaction, and an agitated Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, announced the withdrawal of the Majority MPs from the chamber.
“We are leaving the chamber for them. Now, do the head count and see if you have the numbers to over turn Mr Speaker’s ruling,” he said before the NPP MPs left the chamber.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has accused the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of pressuring the Ghanaian Parliament to pass several bills, including the Affirmative Action Bill, under a certificate of urgency.
Speaker Bagbin suggested that these bills are being pushed by the IMF as part of the conditions for the disbursement of the remaining $3 billion credit facility for Ghana.
Speaking at the Speaker’s Breakfast Meeting, Mr Bagbin on Monday, November 20, asserted that Parliament would not be coerced by the IMF into passing the bills.
“Even in this budget, you can see the arm of the IMF in a lot of provisions in the budget. A critical bill like the Affirmative Action Gender Equality Bill has come to Parliament under a certificate of urgency. Please, it won’t happen; we won’t pass it under a certificate of urgency.”
“There are critical stakeholders we must consult and make sure we go together. We will not be dictated by the IMF; that one, you can be assured. This is a very critical bill that the IMF should know that we need the buy-in of the stakeholders to be able to implement it,” Alban Bagbin said.
The Affirmative Action Bill aims to promote gender equality and increase the participation of women in decision-making roles.
The Affirmative Action Bill is a proposed legislation that seeks to provide gender parity in Ghanaian politics. The bill aims to increase women’s participation in decision-making positions by proposing that at least 40% of public offices be reserved for women.
The bill has been in parliament for over a decade but has not received the needed attention for it to become law.
The IMF Executive Board approved, on May 17th, 2023, an SDR 2.242 billion (about US$3 billion) 36-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement for Ghana.
This decision enabled an immediate disbursement equivalent to SDR 451.4 million (about US$600 million). The rest is expected to be disbursed in tranches every six months, following program reviews approved by the IMF Executive Board.
According to the IMF, its programs in general seek to boost social spending to improve socioeconomic outcomes and help promote inclusive growth.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has disclosed that his Cantonments residence was on the brink of being sold to a private developer while he was still occupying it.
Speaker Bagbin credited the Lands Commission’s intervention for preventing the sale of the property. He shared this information during the Speaker’s Breakfast Forum at the Swiss Spirit Alisa Hotel in Accra on November 20, 2023, emphasizing the challenges Parliament encounters, including property-related issues.
“Many of you don’t know that even the residence of the speaker was almost sold to the private sector. Actually it was given out. It was when they went to register that the Lands Commission identified that that is the residence of the Speaker. Luckily, I was inside, so it was saved,” he said.
Speaker Alban Bagbin emphasized the challenges faced by Parliament in regaining properties and the ongoing struggle to secure land for the construction of parliamentary structures.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, Ghana’s start of democratic journey is known to all and needs no further mention. This largely affected the development of parliamentary democracy. Unlike the executive and the judicial arms of government, we have had to be a number of times and we lost almost all our properties. So, we are now struggling to get even our lands for us to be able to put up some structures to accommodate parliament,” he added.
The Speaker’s Breakfast Forum was under the theme; “Thirty Years of Parliamentary Democracy under the Fourth Republic: Reflect on Citizen’s Engagement and the way forward”.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has revealed that his residence in Accra was almost sold to a private developer while he was still living there.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has declared that an investigation will be initiated by the house into the recent spillage of the Akosombo dam by the Volta River Authority (VRA).
The spillage of excess water from the dam has resulted in the displacement of thousands of residents and the destruction of numerous properties in various areas of the Volta and Eastern regions.
During a parliamentary session, Speaker Bagbin expressed his dismay that the VRA conducted the spillage without a comprehensive security and safety preparedness plan in place, deeming it unacceptable.
He stated, “But let me say that it is unacceptable that an activity as potentially destructive as dam spillage was done without a well-thought-through security and safety preparedness plan. As such, parliament will take the necessary action to enquire into the matter and make recommendations for the protection of property and lives living along the Volta River and lake and other settlements along river birds.”
“This is a national assignment and parliament should be seen to be leading in finding solutions to this somehow perennial problem confronting the nation”.
Mr Bagbin emphasized that this is a national responsibility, and parliament should take the lead in seeking solutions to this recurrent issue affecting the nation.
He also called on all Members of Parliament to support their colleagues whose constituencies have been impacted by the spillage.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has raised concerns about the ongoing trial of the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, in the ambulance case, characterizing it as a form of ‘persecution.’
Speaker Bagbin stressed the need to uphold the rule of law while voicing his reservations about the unfolding developments in Dr. Ato Forson’s case.
These remarks were made during his visit to the family of the late former Majority Leader in Parliament, Felix Kwasi Owusu-Adjapong, on Thursday, October 19.
“The Majority Leader [Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu] indicated to me that he had to come ahead, he had some challenges to attend to in Kumasi, so he will not be available,” 3news.com quoted the Speaker.
“The Minority Leader, unfortunately, is being persecuted, so on a number of these occasions, he can’t be with us because he is appearing in court, as of now, he is in court being trialed. It is not that we don’t want the rule of law to apply; we all want it to apply, but where prosecution is just a gamble, ‘I may win or I may not win, but let me do it,’ I will not prescribe that for any politician because as a leader, you always have to take the risk. You could get it right; you could get it catastrophically wrong.”
Mr. Bagbin further emphasized the potential chilling effect of such prosecutions, stating, “Could you be prosecuted because of that? Then there will be tribulation; nobody will have the courage to come out boldly and take decisions where things are really hard.”
Former Finance Minister Seth Terkper appeared in court on Thursday, October 19, serving as the key witness for the Defense in the trial of Dr. Forson and two others.
He testified that he provided full authorization to his then Deputy, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, permitting him to request Letters of Credit from the Bank of Ghana for the procurement of 30 ambulances from Big Sea General Trading Ltd of Dubai.
Mr. Terkper elaborated that he granted this authorization during a special management meeting he chaired at the Finance Ministry. This proactive step was taken to facilitate a contract between the Government of Ghana and Big Sea, with the aim of preventing any potential legal issues and judgment debts arising from contract delays and breaches.
Dr. Ato Forson faces two counts of allegedly causing financial loss to the state by establishing Letters of Credit for the ambulance procurement without due cause and authorization, as stated by the current Attorney General.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has highlighted the importance of innovation and technology in agriculture for Africa to realize its potential as a global food provider.
He conveyed this message during his address at the Convention and 30th anniversary celebration of the Council of Ewe Associations of North America (CEANA) in Atlanta, Georgia. The event was held under the theme “Empowering our youth towards innovative entrepreneurship in transformational agriculture.”
Speaker Bagbin highlighted the necessity of incorporating technologies like GPS, sensors, drones, and data analytics into agriculture practices. These technological tools, he explained, could optimize resource utilization, monitor crop health, and enhance crop yields.
Furthermore, embracing technology in agriculture would empower the younger generation involved in farming by providing them with access to reliable data, enabling informed decision-making, minimizing wastage, and boosting overall efficiency.
Speaker Bagbin stressed that today’s youth are highly proficient in technology, making traditional farming methods less appealing to them. Therefore, integrating innovative technology into agriculture is vital to engage and motivate the younger generation to participate in this critical sector.
“If governments direct resources into modernising agriculture and infuse technology into farm practices, more youth will opt for the sector. This will address the challenges of feeding a global population sustainably, create economic opportunities for rural communities and transform how we produce, distribute, and consume food,” he said.
The Speaker underscored the need for agricultural innovation aimed at addressing long-standing issues in the sector, including waste reduction and the challenges associated with seasonal fluctuations in farm produce. He emphasized the importance of reimagining how surplus crops are managed, particularly during periods of oversupply when prices plummet and produce is left to rot, followed by periods of scarcity.
To address these challenges, the Speaker advocated for innovative approaches to managing post-harvest losses and supporting agro-businesses to mitigate these losses effectively. He suggested that the marketing of agricultural products should also undergo innovation, thereby bolstering local economies in Africa, reducing food transportation distances, and optimizing the efficiency of the food supply chain. This would enable youth farmers to generate higher returns on their investments and reinvest in their agricultural endeavors.
To attract young people to agriculture, the Speaker called for the implementation of policies promoting secure land tenure and access for the youth. These policies could encompass initiatives such as land redistribution, leasing programs, and support for communal land ownership. Additionally, he stressed the importance of actively involving women, indigenous communities, and rural youth in the agricultural sector.
Furthermore, the Speaker urged financial institutions in Africa to facilitate access to financing for young farmers. This could involve offering low-interest loans, grants, and subsidies to assist young individuals in investing in equipment and seeds, among other necessities. He explained that empowering youth in agriculture necessitates a comprehensive approach addressing modernization of agriculture, education, resource access, policy support, and cultural attitudes.
In closing, the Speaker, also known as Torgbui Nuterperwola Awudome I, extended congratulations to CEANA, an organization uniting Ewe communities from Ghana, Togo, and Niger in North America, on its 30th anniversary. He commended the association for its resilience, perseverance, and hard work that have sustained it over the past three decades, emphasizing that these achievements should not be taken lightly.
He spoke about the coincidence of CEANA, Ghana’s parliament and himself celebrating 30 years and said “I know what it takes to be doing the same thing for 30 years, and striving to be better each year than you were in the previous one”.
He was impressed by CEANA’s commitment to improve upon farm practices and develop the Ewe communities in the three countries and said “It portrays an association of people who are altruistic, driven by the desire to make an impact on the current and future generations”.
The Speaker was joined by his spouse, Ms. Alice Adjua Yornas, as well as several distinguished members of parliament, including Hon. Emmanuel Bedzrah, representing Ho West; Hon. Rockson Dafeamakpor, representing South Dayi; Hon. Dela Sowah, representing Kpando; Hon. Joycelyn Tetteh, representing North Dayi; and Hon. Kofi Attor, former MP for Ho Central. Additionally, Mr. Speaker was accompanied by his Special Aide, Mr. Gayheart Mensah, who serves as the Speaker’s Communication Expert.
Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has hinted that he intends to set up a five-member Committee to investigate a petition by the aggrieved customers of Menzgold and report to the House for consideration.
According to the Speaker, the petition which has now gone through the right procedures of the House to become a motion, would be admitted before the House goes on recess and later set up a Committee to consider the concerns of the aggrieved customers and debate the report when the House comes back from recess.
The Speaker made these known when aggrieved customers of Menzgold paid a courtesy call on him.
Mr. Fred Forson, who is one of the Leaders of the group narrated the difficult situations the affected members are going through and how it has resulted into 210 deaths in recent times. He pleaded with the Speaker to work expeditiously on the motion.
The Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Hon. Rockson Nelson Kwame Etse Dafeamekpor, who submitted the motion to the Speaker, acknowledged the challenges being faced by the motion because the matter is before court but pleaded with the Speaker that it is only the criminal case which is before the court therefore the Speaker can admit the motion for the House to consider the report of the Committee.
The group expressed their gratitude to the Speaker and prayed that their concerns would be addressed and brought to finality soon.
Menzgold
Menzgold attracted a significant number of investors by offering high returns on their investments in gold trading.
The controversy erupted when regulatory authorities in Ghana, including the Bank of Ghana and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), raised concerns about the company’s operations and the legality of its investment model. The SEC ordered Menzgold to stop accepting new deposits and halted its trading operations in September 2018. The Bank of Ghana had also previously issued warnings about the company’s unlicensed operations.
Despite these warnings and regulatory actions, Menzgold continued to operate and attract investments. Many people, including celebrities and individuals from various walks of life, invested their money in the company, hoping to earn high returns on their investments.
As the controversy escalated, Nana Appiah Mensah faced legal troubles, including issues related to the company’s operations and allegations of money laundering. In January 2019, he was arrested in Dubai on unrelated charges. It took several months for him to return to Ghana after legal proceedings in both countries.
The Menzgold controversy led to protests and demonstrations by investors who were unable to access their funds. Many individuals claimed to have lost substantial amounts of money.
In a statement dated July 29, Menzgold announced its successful completion of the transaction validation process assuring to soon reimburse its customers.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has cautioned legislators to take note of the amount of money they spend in catering for the demands of their constituents.
According to the Speaker, the necessary records must be drafted by MPs as they would be called to account for the funds utilised.
The Speaker noted that this forms part of efforts to foster accountability in the country, beginning with the arm of government that demands accountability from others.
“The first step towards accountability begins with oneself. Charity begins at home. We must hold ourselves accountable first before we can hold others accountable.
As you utilizing your funds, Honourable Members take note. You will be called upon to account for the use of Common Fund, GETFUND, National Health Insurance and whatever is entrusted into your care,” he warned.
Speaker Alban Bagbin made this known during the launch of the Citizen’s Bureau on Monday, July 31, 2023.
The objective of the Citizens Bureau is to facilitate engagements and information sharing between Parliament and Civil Society Organisations.
The Bureau is equally responsible for the formulation, implementation and reporting on Open Parliament Initiative under the Open Government Partnership.
Meanwhile, Speaker Bagbin has noted that Parliament led by the Parliamentary Service Board will be submitting numerous reports on the performance of Parliament.
These reports will also touch on the audited accounts of Parliament which will be deliberated on the floor of the House.
Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has declared that there will be no parliamentary session on Thursday, July 26, due to a significant national event that will involve key authorities in the country.
This important occasion will bring together the President, Chief Justice, members of parliament, former presidents, ministers, and other prominent figures.
On the floor of the house, Speaker Alban Bagbin explained the reason for the adjournment, stating; “The house will not sit tomorrow, we have a very important National event hosted by our partners in the church and from his excellency through my good self, the Chief Justice, former presidents, some ministers, and all the important authorities in the country will have to reconvene to look at a very critical national agenda. In view of that, a number of members of parliament are compulsorily to be present and so we will not sit tomorrow. We will seat on Thursday.”
The Pentecost church is hosting a national event, leading to the adjournment of the usual parliamentary session scheduled for Thursday.
As a result, members of parliament will now convene on Friday, July 27, for the resumption of parliamentary activities after the event concludes.
Researcher from the University of Cape Coast, Dr. Amanda Odoi, has chosen to withdraw her contempt application against Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, at the Supreme Court.
The application was filed in connection to the ongoing discussions surrounding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
This decision to withdraw the suit comes after the Supreme Court rejected her request to halt Parliament from proceeding with the passage of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
Dr. Odoi had accused Speaker Bagbin of disregarding the pending legal actions and allowing the consideration of the proposed legislation to continue, which she believed was in violation of the 1992 Constitution.
She argued, “the respondent has continually violated and shown utter disregard for the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and the court process. That the respondent’s clear, intentional, and continuous disregard of the court process necessitates the Respondent being sanctioned for contempt in the public interest and to protect the dignity of the Court.”
“He should have proved this balance of convenience well but we have not seen any evidence of that. The speaker is doing his duty and cannot be injuncted,” she said.
Ghana’s Parliament
But Chief State Attorney Dr Sylvia Aduse told the court Dr Odoi’s legal team have failed to show how they will suffer or which right of theirs should be protected in the interim.
“He should have proved this balance of convenience well but we have not seen any evidence of that. The speaker is doing his duty and cannot be injuncted.” She said.
Lawyer for the Speaker, Thaddeus Sory urged the court to dismiss the request.
“We pray that this application doesn’t satisfy any of the tests as set by this court and should be dismissed.”
The panel presided over by the Chief Justice Indicated a case meriting an injunction has not been made.
“We have considered the merits of this case and are of the considered view that a prima facie case has not been made to convince us to injunct the work of parliament.
“Neither have we been convinced to injunct an uncompleted work of parliament. The issues raised by this application for injunction are matters to be determined by the substantive matter. This application for an injunction is dismissed,” the Chief Justice stated.
Other panel members are Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Gabriel Pwamang, Mariama Owusu, Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, Yonny Kulendi, Barbara Ackah-Yensu, Samuel Asiedu, George Koomson”.
The Anti-LGBTQ Bill, which has been under discussion and scrutiny since its introduction in 2021, received unanimous consent from all 275 Members of Parliament on July 5th.
Despite facing legal challenges, including a recent lawsuit announced on July 4, 2023, the bill has progressed to the consideration stage following the approval of its laying and subsequent debate by Speaker Alban Bagbin.
Speaker Bagbin emphasized that there is no opposition from any legislator regarding the passage of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021.
“With the submissions just made by the Honorable Andy Appiah Kubi that all the 275 are in support of the bill, anybody who disagrees be on your feet and I will recognize you.
“Honorable members, since all members are in support of the bill, I am definitely not going to gag the House. I will give you the opportunity to expand and improve further the submissions made so that at the consideration stage, it will be enriched by your contributions.
“But I just want us to be clear that none is against the bill,” he stressed.
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, has dismissed a request to halt Parliament’s consideration of the anti-gay bill.
The court determined that it is not convinced to issue such an order at this stage, as the concerns raised will be addressed in the substantive case.
The decision comes in response to a case filed by researcher Dr. Amanda Odoi, who alleges that Parliament’s work on the proposed law violates the constitution. Dr. Odoi’s legal team also withdrew the case of contempt filed against the Speaker of Parliament.
Dr. Odoi is one of two citizens who have sued the Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney General regarding the anti-LGBTQ bill.
She argues that her investigations confirm that the Speaker of Parliament has been properly served with all relevant court documents, including an injunction request to halt Parliament’s consideration of the law.
Despite this, she claims that the Speaker allowed the bill to proceed to its Second Reading in Parliament.
During the court proceedings on Wednesday, legal arguments were presented regarding whether the case should be temporarily suspended. The Speaker of Parliament was not personally present, but his legal team, led by Thaddeus Sory, represented him.
Lawyers representing Dr. Amanda Odoi were the first to address the court, with lead counsel Dr. Ernest Ako emphasizing the significance of putting the parliamentary consideration on hold and seeking the court’s intervention.
“Per the nature of the provision of article 108…assuming this bill goes through and becomes law and money is expended from the consolidated fund, we would not get the money back meanwhile Ghanaians would not get the millions that would have been spent on this law.”
“If the application is granted and Parliament does not proceed and the substantive matter is determined, parliament would just have suffered a little by not proceeding with the bill in the interim,” he stated.
Chief State Attorney Dr Sylvia Aduse told the court Dr Odoi’s legal team have failed to show how they will suffer or which right of theirs should be protected in the interim.
“He should have proved this balance of convenience well but we have not seen any evidence of that. The speaker is doing his duty and cannot be injuncted.” She said.
Lawyer for the Speaker Thaddeus Sory urged the court to dismiss the request.
“We pray that this application doesn’t satisfy any of the tests as set by this court and should be dismissed.”.
The panel presided over by the Chief Justice indicated a case meriting an injunction has not been made.
“We have considered the merits of this case and are of the considered view that a prima facie case has not been made to convince us to injunct the work of parliament.
“Neither have we been convinced to injunct an uncompleted work of parliament. The issues raised by this application for injunction are matters to be determined by the substantive matter. This application for an injunction is dismissed.” The Chief Justice stated.
Other panel members are Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Gabriel Pwamang, Mariama Owusu, Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, Yonny Kulendi, Barbara Ackah-Yensu, Samuel Asiedu, George Koomson”.
Dr Odoi’s legal team have meanwhile withdrawn the contempt case filed against the Speaker of Parliament.
The Minority Caucus has for the fourth time, boycotted parliamentary sittings in support of Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson.
Their decision to boycott parliamentary proceedings on Quayson’s trial days was declared during his swearing-in on July 4.
Despite caution from Speaker Alban Bagbin that their action is against the Standing Orders of the House, the Caucus proceeded with the boycott, leading to a standstill in parliamentary proceedings.
The continuous absence of the Caucus from Parliament has drawn dissatisfaction from the public and some legislators, who question the approach of showing solidarity with their colleague facing criminal prosecution.
Despite appeals to reconsider their decision, the Caucus remains steadfast, insisting that their action will only end if the criminal case against James Gyakye Quayson is dropped.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court’s ruling that invalidated the law allowing the granting of licenses for cannabis cultivation in Ghana.
In August 2022, the Supreme Court said Parliament did not act transparently in the passage of the Narcotics Control Commission Act.
Specific reference was made to portions of the law (section 43) which permitted the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes.
In July 2022, the Supreme Court struck down section 43 of the law, which empowered the Minister to issue licenses for the medicinal and industrial cultivation of cannabis.
In response, Speaker has expressed his belief that the Supreme Court made an error by not verifying the proper process and procedures involved in the enactment of a bill before rendering its ruling.
“I hope the three arms of government will work together and respect each other. In case of doubt, it’s important to consult the other arm before giving finality to whatever decision the other arm wants to take.
“I do not think it was proper for the Judiciary without knowing how we conduct our business here, really go into how we conduct the business and make such important decisions without consulting the House. That is improper,” he said in Parliament on June 6, 2023.
He said “to say section 43 is unconstitutional because there was no debate in my humble opinion is a grievous error.”
The Nandom MP continued that the bill does not seek to legalise the recreational use of cannabis but to allow the Minister to issue licenses to people who can produce at 0.3% THC.
He added that the legislation was to help government take a modern approach and allow for industrial and medicinal use of cannabis
Meanwhile, Speaker Alban Bagbin has referred the Narcotics Control Commission Act bill to the Parliamentary Committee of Defense and Interior for consideration.
The committee is expected in a weeks time to come up with the right provision needed to re-enact the law.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has expressed his concern that Ghana is not practicing true democracy because of the defects in the 1992 constitution.
He made this remark when he visited the office of Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) in Accra yesterday to interact with management and the editorial team. The visit was part of his efforts to strengthen Parliament-Media relations.
The Speaker explained that the current constitution allowed many people to operate above the law, leading to lawlessness and injustice. He said democracy required that the law should be supreme and not respect any person.
“The law is no respecter of any person; that is one of the errors in our constitution. Read through our constitution and you’ll see the law is a respecter of so many people. So many people in Ghana are above the law. You can’t have democracy [with that], and so we need to work at it seriously,” he said.
He therefore reiterated his calls for support for review of the 1992 constitution.
“It is something we must take up,” he said.
Both sides of Parliament have also rallied support for the review of the constitution, as well as some Civil Society Organisations. President Akufo-Addo on the other hand, has urged the relevant stakeholders to exercise caution in their quest for a review.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, has entreated the Christian community to play a more active and effective role in affairs of the country.
During the induction ceremony of The Apostolic Church-Ghana on Saturday, June 24, 2023, Speaker Bagbin said that the church’s waning interest in national and political matters has had “severe consequences” on the country’s moral and social fibre.
According to him, “the politicians are part of the flock”, thus “you can’t abandon them.”
“We cannot continue to close our eyes, take a back seat and rely solely on your prayers as a replacement for discipline, hard work, and a sense of duty as patriotic citizens,” he added.
He insisted that prayer without action is not enough as “we need to be more proactive in addressing the challenges facing our country.”
Speaker Bagbin believes the church can use its influence to promote good governance, social justice, and economic development.
Speaker Bagbin’s speech was met with massive applause from the congregation.
About the induction ceremony
The induction ceremony was held at the Apostolic Resource, Conference and Retreat Centre, Frafraha near Adentan, to usher in national leaders of The Apostolic Church-Ghana into office.
Apostle Dr. Aaron Ami-Narh, the President of the church was ushered into office for the second term together with the Church’s new Vice President, Apostle Christopher Affum-Nyarko and General Secretary, Apostle Alex Boateng.
The trio were elected for their respective positions in March 2023.
Former president of The Apostolic Church-Ghana, Apostle Ebenezer Nsesa Abebrese, administered the oath of office and inducted the new officers into office.
He congratulated them on their election and urged them to take the church to the next level.
Apostle Abebrese also inducted the church’s executive team.
Joseph Osei-Owusu, the 1st Deputy Speaker of Parliament, has provided an explanation for the delay in addressing the Ghanaian anti-LGBTQ+ bill in Parliament.
Mr. Osei-Owusu stated that progress on the bill requires the approval of the Speaker, considering that two lawsuits have been filed against it.
“In respect of that bill, there’s a court action pending which Mr. Speaker has been made a party. Mr Speaker brought the court action to the attention of leaders, and so I think in considering programming or not programming, you may wish to discuss with the Speaker and what steps he may take before you programme them,” the 1st Deputy Speaker told the House.
The Ghanaian anti-LGBTQ+ bill, known as the Proper Sexual Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, is a private member’s bill sponsored by the Ningo-Prampram MP, Sam George, along with other Members of Parliament.
However, the bill has encountered significant obstacles as two lawsuits have been filed against it—one at the High Court and the other at the Supreme Court.
As a result, Parliament has decided to take a cautious approach and slow down the decision-making process regarding the bill, causing a significant setback in its progress.
During a session in the House, Sam George expressed his dissatisfaction with the business committee for not scheduling the bill for consideration.
He thereby suggested that the committee tables the bill for the business of the House.
Mr George contended that “We [Parliament] can begin to sit on it and do the second reading, tending other government business, so if they can table it for next week, we will be grateful.”
But the 1st Deputy Speaker reiterated that the Speaker should be consulted as to whether or not Parliament could continue with the proceedings in the light of the constitutional interpretation that is being sought against the bill.
However, Mr Osei-Owusu assured that they would engage to decide the next step to take to avoid a “clash with the judiciary.”
Member of Parliament(MP) for Ho West, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, has expressed intent to surpass Speaker Alban Bagbin’s longevity record.
According to him, he is very young hence the reason he would want to serve eight terms in parliament to break Bagbin’s record.
Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah is one of the incumbent MPs who retained his seat in Saturday’s primary election.
Speaking in an interview, he said “Look at me. I am a young person. I started … very young. My predecessor [Francis Aggrey Agbotse, MP from 1997 to 2009] started when he was 52 years. I am only 54 years now, so I still have three terms more to go.”
“I want to break Bagbin’s record. He did seven terms. I would want to do, at least, eight terms,” Asaaseradion.com quoted Emmanuel Bedrah.
Emmanuel Bedzrah joined parliament in 2009 and has since be retained, he served on parliament’s Works and Housing Committee, House committee and is currently serving on the Government Assurance Committee.
Paul Boama Sefa, a Ghanaian citizen based in the Ashanti Region, has filed class action against the Speaker of Parliament over processes involved in the presentation of the Human Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021.
In relation to how the legislative body handled the anti-LGBTQ bill, he claims that the two have violated certain provisions of Ghana’s constitution.
He claims that despite the law’s financial implications for the consolidated fund, a fiscal impact study report was not sent to parliament.
Paul says the Speaker of Parliament has the mandate to ensure that all legislative processes are undertaken in accordance with the law.
He noted the Public Financial Management Act requires that any bill to be laid in parliament should be accompanied by a fiscal impact analysis. He claims the Human Rights and Family Values Bill does not have this attached to it.
Paul made reference to the Attorney General’s memo to Parliament where he makes this same point about the lack of a fiscal impact analysis.
Substantively, the plaintiff wants the court to restrain the speaker, his deputies etc from proceeding with any processes regarding the bill until this is complied with.
The Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee earlier addressed the AG’s concern in its final report to Parliament. The AG has also been dragged to court.
The individual made reference to this noting that portions of the bill impose a charge on the consolidated fund.
The Committee said it, however, noted through the amendments it was proposing, this will be taken care of.
Meanwhile, the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee has encouraged the House to pass the legislation.
The current lawsuit might affect the approval of the bill by the House.
Speaker Alban Bagbinhas directed all Members of Parliament (MPs) to end their recess and return to the House for an “urgent parliamentary business.”
The urgent parliamentary business is scheduled for Tuesday, May 2, 2023, per the statement from the Office of the Speaker dated April 20, 2023.
“I, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, do hereby direct that Parliament shall notwithstanding anything to the contrary, be recalled from recess to sit on Tuesday, the 2nd day of May 2023, at ten o’clock in the forenoon, at Parliament House, Accra, to consider urgent parliamentary business,” the statement read.
Rt Honourable Alban Bagbin gave the instruction in exercise of the power conferred on the Speaker by order 42(3) of the Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana.
The said order states that “Mr. Speaker may, if he thinks fit, call a Sitting of the House before the date or time to which it has been adjourned or at any time after the house has been adjourned sine die.”
Meanwhile, the agenda for the urgent parliamentary business is yet to be made public. Parliament went on recess on March 31, 2023, after passing government tax bills which have been assented to by President Akufo-Addo per reports from Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah.
Prior to that, the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament recommended that the House pass the controversial Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 popularly referred to as the “anti-LGBTQ bill”.
“Pass into law, the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021, subject to the amendments proffered by the Committee,” a part of the 18-page document signed by the Committee’s Chairperson, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, read.
Source: The Independent Ghana| Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey
In order to celebrate Easter, Parliament has been suspended sine die.
This came after parliament passed three revenue laws that the government had submitted in an effort to increase domestic revenue mobilization.
Alban Bagbin, Speaker of the House, advised the MPs to avoid making decisions that would undermine the proceedings of the house at the following meeting in his concluding remarks to the chamber.
Mr. Bagbin said, “In spite of the shock we had during this meeting, I urge all to still continue to give thanks to almighty God because that is his will.”
“We have really endeared ourselves particularly the leaders, my deputies to try and build more consensus. But we have had some rather sometimes inexplicable U-turns. And that sometimes saddens me. I hope we will not go through this experience in the next meeting. You have shown that Friday you all came prepared to work hard. So are some of the ministers,” he said.
The Speaker expressed his appreciation to the leadership of both sides and the clerks.
“My gratitude goes to the two deputy speakers for always stepping in to preside anytime I’m not around. And my appreciation goes to the leadership of both sides we tried many times to come to a consensus before Parliament starts. Sometimes we will not be able to carry through. But I pray and hope that w will improve on it. I want to thank the clerk and his deputies and all MPs for what we have achieved so far,” he said.
He advised the MPs to take good care of themselves as they journey to their various constituencies.
“I wish you travelling mercies as you go to your constituencies. What happened on Friday was an accident. Value yourselves so make sure that we all come back to meet in great hope. I declare Parliament adjourned sine die,” the Speaker stated.
Parliament on Friday, March 31, passed the Excise Duty Amendment Bill 2022, the Growth and Sustainability Levy Bill, 2022, the Ghana Revenue Authority Bill 2022 and the Income Tax Amendment Bill 2022.
The financial bills presented to Parliament by the government seek to rake in about 4 billion Ghana Cedis annually as part of domestic revenue mobilisation.
The bills are also crucial to aid the government’s quest to facilitate the Board Approval for the $3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) Programme staff-level agreement.
The Minority in Parliament earlier communicated its opposition to the bills.
The Member of Parliament for Nanton, Mohammed Hardi Tuferi was involved in an accident ahead of the crucial vote on the new revenue bills on Friday.
The MP who is a member of the Majority Caucus was however sent to Parliament via an ambulance to report to the leadership of the House and later sent to the hospital.
But the Speaker said nothing untoward was done in the passage of the controversial revenue bills despite the absence of the Member of Parliament for Nanton.
All is set for President Akufo-Addo to deliver the State of the Nation’s Address (SONA).
Dignitaries and former heads of States including former President John Dramani Mahama, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, etc. are all in attendance.
Majority of the Members of Parliament from both sides (i.e the Majority and Minority side) are also in attendance.
The address in accordance with Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. Among other things, the President is expected to address the House on the progress of development in all sectors of the economy.
Additionally, he is expected to outline policies and strategies intended to liberate the country from the current economic crisis.
Speaker of the 8th Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, in his colourful Ghanaian kente cloth on Wednesday, launched the much anticipated 30th Anniversary Celebrations of Ghana’s Parliamentary democracy.
Recounting a brief history about the Fourth Republic, the Speaker noted that “in 1960 we jettisoned the 1957 Constitution which was fashioned according to the Westminster model of parliamentary practice. We adopted our First Republican Constitution on 1st July 1960. We then had military interruption between 1966 and 1969.
“The Second Republic, which was ushered in in 1969 also got interrupted: that subsequently paved way for the Third Republic in 1979. In 1981, that was also truncated until 1992 when we had our Fourth Republican Constitution adopted through a referendum. It has been a journey of vicissitudes toward the peaceful democracy that we enjoy today,” he added.
Commenting on the programmes lined up for the celebrations the Speaker Bagbin mentioned that the yearlong celebrations will zone the country into six (6) zones where activities such as lectures, mock parliaments, football competitions, health walk among others would be organised.
The Speaker also used the opportunity to congratulate the past speakers of the Fourth Republic for their immense contribution towards Parliamentary Democracy.
He mentioned Rt. Hon. Daniel Francis Annan (late), the pioneering Speaker of the First Parliament of the Fourth Republic, who served from 7th January 1993 to 6th January 2001, Rt. Hon. Peter Ala Adjetey (late), the Speaker of Parliament from the 7th January 2001 to the 6th January 2005, Rt. Hon. Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi-Hughes Speaker of Parliament from 7th January 2005 to 6th January 2009, Rt. Hon. Justice Joyce Adelaide Bamford-Addo, the Speaker of Parliament from 7th January 2009 to 6th January 2013, Rt. Hon. Edward Doe Adjaho Speaker of Parliament from 7th January 2013 to 6th January 2017 and his immediate predecessor, the Rt. Hon. Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, who took over as the Speaker of Parliament on 7th January 2017.
In a speech read on behalf of the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo by the Chief of State, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, the President noted that it is for the good of the country that Parliament continues to develop the capacity to insist on accountability in all aspect of the lives of the people of Ghana, stressing that no institution is better suited for this than the representatives of the people.
“As President of the Republic, I assure you that, out of duty to our children and grandchildren, and to generations yet unborn, my government will do everything it can to help strengthen Parliament,” he assured the House.
In his welcome address, the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Cyril K. O. Nsiah, said the Parliamentary Service remains resolute in performing its non-partisan role of providing the requisite technical and procedural support services required by Parliament to execute its constitutional mandate.
“We will continue to emulate the rich culture, values and norms of independence, non-partisanship and diligence inherited from the lineage of experienced former Clerks to Parliament and former staff of the Service as we assiduously pursue organisational objectives and goals through the needed structural and institutional reforms to optimise our service delivery capacity in order to assist Hon. Members of Parliament carry out their functions” he indicated.
The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu and the Minority Leader Ato Forson, believed that even though 30 years of Parliamentary Democracy might seem relatively young and little to celebrate as compared to countries like United Kingdom and United States of America, considering where Ghana find it self with a number a parliamentary and constitutional crisis within West Africa, the 30th anniversary is worth celebrating.
The year-long celebration is under the theme “Thirty Years of Parliamentary Democracy under the Fourth Republic; The Journey Thus Far”
The launch of the 30th anniversary celebrations which was done in the Chamber of Parliament, saw MPs from both sides of the House, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Staff of the Parliamentary Service and other invited guests dancing happily to the local musical melodies courtesy Voices of Democracy and the Ghana Armed Forces Band.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Executives have been asked by Cletus Avoka, the outgoing Zebilla Member of Parliament, to revert the Minority Caucus in Parliament’s leadership back to the previous arrangement.
Avoka speaks on changes
Avoka, a one-time Majority Leader and veteran lawmaker, has affirmed in an interview on Joy FM (January 24) that Members of Parliament (MPs) were not consulted before the changes were made.
The most significant move, according to a January 23 letter from the NDC to Speaker Alban Bagbin, is the replacement of Haruna Iddrisu (Tamale South MP) with Cassiel Ato Forson (Ajumako Enyan Essiam MP) as Minority Leader.
“It was not anticipated; it was not expected, and it is untimely as at now. Without prejudice, the gentlemen who are now in the helm of affairs… are very decent Members of Parliament.
“Without prejudice to that…I don’t know what informed the National Executives of the NDC to do this. Without an iota of consultation with some of us who are seniors in Parliament and in the party.”
He described the move as “most ill-timed, it is unstrategic, and it didn’t need to come at this time at all,” adding “I think that the National Executives should eat humble pie and withdraw the change.”
He lamented the ultimate impact of the changes, even on the upcoming primaries in May this year, stressing that “we are going to jeopardise them (removed leaders) in the quest to wrestle power from the NPP in 2024.”
Other changes and retentions
Other changes included Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP for Ellembele, who is the new deputy Minority Chief Whip.
While Kwame Governs Agbodza, MP for Adaklu, will replace Asawase MP Muntaka Mohammed as the Chief Whip.
Ahmed Ibrahim, MP for Banda, has been maintained as the first deputy minority chief whip, while Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah, MP for Ada, is also retained as the second deputy minority chief whip.
The Minority in Parliament has failed to remove Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, from office despite casting a secret ballot voting.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has indicated that the secret voting exercise executed by a one-sided Parliament to ensure a vote of censure against Ken Ofori-Atta is wasted.
The Minority in Parliament went ahead to cast their secret ballot on Thursday, after the Majority staged a walk-out.
The Majority led by Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu walked out of the chamber during a heated debate after they pointed out that the censure motion is unfair. The said 80 NPP MPs who are against a Finance Ministry headed by Ken Ofori-Atta were among the legislators who walked out.
Despite their absence, the Minority went ahead with the secret balloting.
After voting, Speaker told the House that the voting exercise is “loss” because it fails to uphold Article 82 (1) of the 1992 constitution which states that “1. Parliament may, by a resolution supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all the members of Parliament, pass a vote of censure on a Minister of State.”
In Parliament were 136 MPs on the Minority side. 136 votes supported the censure of the Finance Minister.
However, per the law, Parliament needs at least 184 MPs out of the 274 MPs, which is two-thirds of the MPs to pass a vote of censure on a Minister of State.
The Speaker of Parliament says he has not given any directive banning phones in the Chamber of the House.
Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin issued the disclaimer to the false publication in a private newspaper of Thursday, November 17, 2022, titled “Bagbin bans phones in Parliament”.
He noted that no Member of Parliament had been stopped from using his or her phone in the Chamber.
“The Parliamentary Press Corps, who operate from the press gallery have equally not received any directive banning them from using their phones in the execution of their functions and Parliamentary reporting,” he said.
The Speaker said his Office remained accessible to the media for purposes of clarification on any issue of interest to them.
“We entreat all well-meaning Ghanaians to disregard the wrong and misleading publication, which sought to tarnish the Speaker’s image and reputation by the false claim in the headline.”
The maiden Africa Open Parliament Index by the Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica) and the Ghana Parliamentary Monitoring Organizations Network (GPMON) has revealed that Ghana is leading in parliamentary openness in the West African sub region.
The Africa Open Parliament Index (OPI), is a tool that seeks to periodically measure the level of openness of legislative assemblies on the continent. The OPI uses the three criteria of Open Parliament: Transparency, Civic Participation and Public Accountability, to assess Parliaments across Africa.
The Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica) and the Ghana Parliamentary Monitoring Organizations Network (GPMON) presented the results of the maiden Africa Open Parliament Index to Parliament in Accra on Thursday.
The Executive Director of PNAfrica Mr. Sammy Obeng, who made the presentation to Parliament, said the purpose of the OPI is to strengthen Parliaments through CSO- Parliament collaborations. “It makes recommendations, which when pursued diligently over time, can show real progress and improvements in the level of openness in the assessed Parliaments”, he said.
Mr. Obeng said the OPI is developed with three specific objectives which are: to strengthen parliamentary institutions towards the advancement of parliamentary openness across national, sub-national and regional parliaments; to identify, compare and exchange knowledge and best practices among parliaments, and among CSOs that work with parliaments; and to foster collaboration between civil society and parliaments towards achieving the principles of open parliament, providing a platform for amplifying open parliament initiatives.
He said, the combined indicators used for the Index are from global best practices on openness, and minimum standards in parliamentary transparency, civic participation and public accountability, to objectively and independently rank the parliaments of the selected countries in a way that identifies the success stories and the Open Parliament gaps.
Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin called on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to actively participate in the legislative processes of the country, as part of efforts to improve parliamentary democracy.
The Africa OPI is a joint effort of the Africa Parliamentary Monitoring Organisations (APMON) Working Group, which is made up of renowned parliamentary monitoring organizations in Africa namely, Mzalendo Trust (Kenya), Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Parliamentary Monitoring Group (South Africa), Africa Parliamentary Press Network (APPN), the Pan African Parliament Civil Society Forum which is coordinated by the Center for Human Rights of the University of Pretoria, and Parliamentary Network Africa.
Speaker Alban Bagbin has instituted an eight-member committee to look into the censure motion filed by the Minority in Parliament to facilitate
the dismissal of Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.
On Thursday, the Minority, led by Tamale South MP, Haruna Iddrisu, moved a censure motion against Mr Ofori-Atta despite calls by the Majority to have the Minister present to defend himself.
Following a heated debate, Speaker Bagbin decided on establishing an ad hoc committee spearheaded by two co-chairmen, MP for Bolga East, Dominic Ayine and Adansi-Asokwa legislator, Kobina Tahir Hammond, to look into the matter.
The Speaker came to the decision in accordance with Order 106 of the Standing Order, which states, “The House may pass a resolution to remove the President, the Vice President, Mr. Speaker, and Deputy Speakers, and a vote of censure on a Minister of State.”
“The House may consider such motion and come to a decision or refer it to a committee on a motion made by any member,” it continues.
In his submission, Speaker Bagbin directed the committee to report to the House in the next seven days.
Other members of the committee include North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Klottey-Korle, the Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings,
and Okaikoi North MP, Emmanuel Ahiaku, from the Minority side.
Representatives from the majority side are Okaikwei Central MP, Yaw Boamah, Asante-Akim Central legislator, Kwame Anyimadu-
Antwi, and Sekondi MP, Egyapa Mercer. The clerk to the committee is Mr Boamah Camilo, the Speaker added.
On October 25, 2022, the Minority in Parliament filed a censure motion against the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.
This occurred at the same time that the majority MPs, numbering around 80, held a press conference to demand the removal of the
Finance Minister and Minister of State in charge of Finance at the Ministry of Finance, Charles Adu Boahen, for their inability to manage the economy.
However, the NPP MPs have failed to support the NDC MPs in their quest. The Majority explained that their justification for the Minister’s
removal does not tally with that of the Minority’s.
“Over a few days, we have had the Finance Minister speaking, and his Ghana to receive $50m for carbon emission
reduction speaking has informed the Majority not only to state that we are back to the original position that we took and that original position is to say that the Minister of Finance will not be the one to read the budget and its appropriation.”
“However, we are not going to support the cause of the NDC in the chamber this morning. The cause of the NDC is premised on falsehood,
propaganda and reasons that are not justifiable. Their position might look like ours but it is not the same,” the Majority said.
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has asked that the Finance Minister be allowed to complete Ghana’s negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and present the 2023 budget and economic statement.
Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad, a member of parliament (MP) for Tamale Central, has clarified remarks he made about majority leader and minister for parliamentary affairs Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu being a dealer in spare parts.
The MP criticized Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu for claiming that Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, did not comprehend Ghanaian legislation.
On Wednesday, October 26, 2022, in an interview with TV3, Murtala claimed that the majority leader has been unnecessarily challenging the Speaker and criticizing him. The interview was caught on GhanaWeb.
He added that Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu could not in any way compare himself to Speaker Alban Bagbin when it comes to constitutional and legal matters.
“The Majority Leader has a penchant for attacking the person of the Speaker. And he does that all the time. Any opportunity he gets, he picks on the Speaker. He did that on the floor. The Speaker didn’t want to sink into the gutters, and the Speaker was very diplomatic.
“You listened to him in the press conference and he even said that the Speaker doesn’t even understand the law. When the Speaker was a lawyer practising, you, Honourable Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, you were selling spare parts at Magazine, at the time the Speaker was a practising lawyer,” he said.
Speaking in an interview on Onua TV, which was monitored by GhanaWeb, the Tamale Central MP said that he never met to belittle spare part dealers.
He explains that his father was a spare parts dealer and that he and his brother even managed his shops at some point.
He added that he was trying to make the point that the Speaker of Parliament is superior to the Majority leader when it comes to matters of law.
“The statement I made is being deliberately misconstrued. I had a colleague who said I was talking about spare parts dealers and I said that is the most amateurish thing.
“My father was a spare parts dealer in Tamale. My father was dealing in bicycles, sewing machines and spare parts of same. I was in that business managing two of my father’s shops. So, my school fees was paid from spare parts and other.
“So, it (my statement) has nothing to do with spare parts dealers, it has everything to do with Honourable Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu,” he said,
The majority leader of the House of Representatives, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, was disparaged by the member of parliament representing Tamale Central, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad, according to broadcaster Paul Adom-Otchere.
The MP criticized Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu for claiming that Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, did not comprehend Ghanaian legislation.
On Wednesday (October 26), during an interview with TV3 in Parliament that GhanaWeb was able to observe, Murtala claimed that the Speaker has been the target of unwarranted attacks from the majority leader who constantly wants to challenge him.
He added that Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu could not in any way compare himself to Speaker Alban Bagbin when it comes to constitutional and legal matters.
“The Majority Leader has a penchant for attacking the person of the Speaker. And he does that all the time. Any opportunity he gets, he picks on the Speaker. He did that on the floor. The Speaker didn’t want to sink into the gutters, and the Speaker was very diplomatic.
“You listened to him in the press conference and he even said that the Speaker doesn’t even understand the law. When the Speaker was a lawyer practising, you, Honourable Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, you were selling spare parts at Magazine, at the time the Speaker was a practising lawyer,” he said.
Reacting to this during his Good Morning Ghana show on Thursday (October 27), Paul Adom-Otchere said that Murtala, by the statement he made, lacks wisdom.
“I talked about wisdom… that wisdom, it is not everybody that is able to demonstrate it like that. You’re a politician, a Member of Parliament, and you’re talking down spare parts dealers.
“Murtala, Allah will forgive you eh. Don’t do that again. You are part of a mass party, the National Democratic Congress, and you are rubbishing spare parts dealers that their nobodies.
“Don’t you know that people finish university these days with a first class in electrical engineering and then go and do spare parts dealing? What is wrong with some of our politicians?
“Murtala was talking down spare parts dealers that Majority Leader Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu he was a spare parts dealer when Bagbin was practising law. Murtala is saying that. The other day, he was not happy that somebody was calling him a teacher,” he said.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has threatened to block the laying of a new Constitutional Instrument (C.I) by the Electoral Commission if the House is not briefed accordingly.
The Electoral Commission’s CI, which is undergoing some amendments, is expected to make the Ghana card the only identification document to enroll unto the voters register.
This new proposal has been a thorny issue between the EC and the opposition NDC together with other political parties.
They have argued that this proposal by the EC seeks to disenfranchise Ghanaians in the upcoming elections.
Speaking on the matter on the Floor of the House, on Friday, Alban Bagbin noted that the independence of the EC does not make it immune to oversight by Parliament.
He indicated that he will only allow the EC to lay the C.I before Parliament if members of the House are fully briefed.
“I am yet to receive them to be briefed. Until that is done, they should forget about laying any such instrument in the House. I think there is a misinterpretation and misunderstanding of the concept of independence of various state institutions that are stated by the Constitution to be independent,” he stated.
Mr. Alban Bagbin explained that the EC’s independence relates to the performance of its functions. However, its independence ceases if any issue or matter is brought before Parliament.
“They cannot say they are not subject to the control of anybody, including the institution of Parliament. The EC, the Bank of Ghana and the Judiciary should take note,” he added.
Speaker Alban Bagbin made the ruling today, arguing that the Privileges Committee report is not final.
The Privileges Committee recommended that the 40-year-old’s seat is declared vacant for failing to provide an explanation for her absence.
Delivering the much-anticipated ruling, the Speaker noted that the report of the Committee must be placed before the whole House for a decision to be made.
“It is for the House that will go through it because the mandate given to an MP, representation is so crucial that it cannot be left to the subjective view of any person or group of people but the whole house,” Speaker Bagbin said on the floor on Wednesday.
This did not go down well with the Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu. The Majority Leader who doubles as the Suame MP said the ruling is unfortunate.
“I am expressing my discomfort with this unfortunate ruling that you have made. I totally disagree. I think it doesn’t sit with the Constitution and with your own earlier statements that you made in this House relating to those same things. Very inconsistent,” he retorted.
This reaction caused a clash between himself and the Speaker who did not take the comment lightly.
Alban Bagbin demanded a retraction to which the MP reluctantly obliged.
According to the Speaker, they will both remain friends despite their positions in the House.
Parliament is still yet to determine the fate of Dome Kwabenya MP, Adwoa Safo, although Speaker Alban Bagbin pledged to give his ruling when the House returned from recess.
The House has resumed sitting and the Speaker has failed to bring finality to the matter.
Speaker Alban Bagbinon Wednesday ruled that the report of the committee set up to look into the case of the MP and two others who absented themselves for a number of sittings should be presented before the whole house to be debated.
He, therefore, dismissed the objection of the Majority Leader to the admissibility of the committee report for the consideration of the house.
“As I have noted in this ruling, the decision (sic) on not to admit a motion is the exclusive preserve of the Speaker. In view of the foregoing, the House is well within its right to receive and consider reports of the committee and make a determine arising out of the consideration.
“In the circumstances, it is my ruling that the motion was rightfully admitted and the report of the committee is subject to the consideration of the house. It goes without saying that the (sic) objection of the Majority Leader today (sic) is hereby dismissed…” he concluded his verdict.
Adwoa Safo and her two other colleagues, Kennedy Agyapong and Henry Quartey were reported to the Privileges Committee for their absence in Parliament.
Mr Agyapong and Quartey appeared before the Committee to provide reasons behind their absence but Adwoa Safo failed to.
Sarah Adwoa Safo was scheduled to appear before the Committee on May 27, 2022.
Speaking to the media on the said day, she explained that she had not been served any notice to appear before the Committee, and further attributed her absence to the medical attention she was giving to her son living in the United States of America.
Adwoa Safo no longer Gender Minister
President Akufo-Addo on Thursday, July 28, 2022, relieved Sarah Adwoa Safo of her duties as the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection in accordance with Article 81(a) of the constitution.
He has appointed the Member of Parliament for Walewale, Lariba Zuweira Abudu, as the new Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection.
Until her approval from Parliament, Cecilia Dapaah, who is the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, remains the caretaker minister.
Lariba Zuweira Abudu is currently the Deputy Minister for Gender.
Prior to today’s sitting, Speaker Alban Bagbin received a draft Parliamentary Transition Bill from the Center for Democratic Transitions (CDT).
The draft bill was presented to him in Accra by Professor Kwamina Ahwoi and Nana Ato Dadzie, both consultants with the CDT.
Transitioning from one parliament to another under the Fourth Republican Constitution has had gaps and doubtful legal validity, that have created challenges from one parliament to another in particular, and for democratic governance in general.
The purpose of the draft bill therefore is to ensure a smooth, seamless and peaceful transition for the legislature.
The draft bill is similar to, but different from the Presidential Transition Act, which was passed for the executive for a similar purpose.
The Parliamentary Transition Bill focuses on the peculiarities of the legislature in periods of changeover, and what the experience has been so far.
The idea of enacting legislation in the nature of a Parliamentary Transition Bill dawned on Rt. Hon. Speaker Bagbin immediately he assumed office after the nasty and acrimonious election process on January 7th 2021. The idea was shared with the Parliamentary Service Board, which commissioned the drafting of the Parliamentary Transition Bill.
Speaking after a presentation on the draft bill and related documents, the Rt. Hon. Speaker said the Parliamentary Services Board commissioned the drafting of the bill to help bring closure to some of the unregulated and contestable aspects of what have been the processes, procedures and practices when it comes to parliamentary transition.
He spoke about instances where there have been certain expectations of the Speaker or the Clerk to Parliament, when in truth that mandate does not exist, and said the draft bill takes a retrospective look at what has happened in the past, considers today’s hung parliament, anticipates what could happen in the future and provides direction and guidance.
Rt. Hon. Bagbin commended Professor Ahwoi and his team for the deep thoughts that went into the proposals and recommendations. He looked forward to sharing the proposals and recommendations with the Parliamentary Service Board so that together, they could chart a path that will sustain parliamentary democracy in Ghana.
Presenting the draft bill to the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Professor Ahwoi gave examples of the gaps the bill will help close. He said the election of the Speaker of Parliament has hitherto been done by elected Members of Parliament who have not been sworn into office.
This, he said, was problematic and could raise legal issues. The bill therefore proposes that election of the Speaker should be by constituting elected MPs into an electoral college to conduct that business. That would help circumvent the current challenge.
Professor Ahwoi also suggested that to avoid unnecessary complications and complexities in the future, consideration should be given to requesting the Electoral Commission to be responsible for the election of the Speaker of Parliament. The Speaker, once elected and sworn in, will then supervise the election of the deputies.
These, he said, would have to be done at least two days before the Speaker presides over Parliament for the swearing-in of the President-elect of the Republic, in consonance with the Presidential Transition Act.
When validated, considered and passed, the Parliamentary Transition Act will govern how the offices of the Speaker, Leaders of the House, and MPs transition from one person to the other to ensure continuity, sustainability and ultimately enhance parliamentary democracy in Ghana.
Present during the presentation was the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Cyril Nsiah and other officers of the Parliamentary Service.
The Wa Regional Hospital has received a completely furnished ambulance that was sponsored by the Upper West Region residents and presented by the speaker of parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Bagbin.
Even though the speaker gave the elephant side contributions, he thanked all participants who thought the initiative was excellent and urged them to keep up the fight for the region’s speedy development, which has been regarded as one of Ghana’s poorest regions.
Presenting the ambulance, Rt. Hon. Sumana said the donation was a demonstration of the power and impact of commitment and community involvement in improving living conditions, and in achieving what once was thought of as a distant possibility
“…Today’s event is a manifestation of what we can do as individuals and as members of the community to improve upon our livelihoods”, he said.
Rt. Hon Sumana Bagbin said the provision of this ambulance goes to augment the existing health delivery systems within the community.
He added that even though the ambulance alone cannot meet all the pre-hospital healthcare needs of the community, it responds to a very critical need.
He continued that “We must ensure that measures are implemented to integrate the ambulance services into the community healthcare processes…I also recommend to managers of the ambulance service to ensure the judicious use of the ambulance.
The Speaker entreated the hospital to maintain the ambulance while he proposed that there should be a policy or guidelines for the use of the ambulance, and adequate training of personnel to operate the ambulance to ensure quality standards and improvement.
He further added that fortunately, there exist several known state and private institutions to provide the hospital with the needed guidance, the National Ambulance Service, the Wa Teaching Hospital, and the private ambulance services are about a few of these institutions that, with good collaboration, could offer significant benefits for managing the ambulance.
