Council of State Pledges Support to Break Parliamentary Stalemate
Efforts Underway to Resolve Ongoing Crisis and Uphold Parliamentary Autonomy
- The Council of State is committed to helping resolve the parliamentary deadlock
- Speaker Bagbin will shorten his trip to Australia to address the crisis and facilitate an early parliamentary recall
- The Supreme Court has adjourned Bagbin’s attempt to overturn a ruling regarding contested seats until
The Council of State has assured Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin of its dedication to resolving the current deadlock that has resulted in the indefinite suspension of parliamentary sessions.
This assurance was given during a meeting on Wednesday, October 30, led by Council Chairman Nana Otuo Siribour II, where they discussed the ongoing parliamentary crisis. Speaker Bagbin updated the Council on the situation, clarifying his stance on four contested parliamentary seats.
He reiterated his commitment to upholding Ghana’s democracy and fulfilling his responsibilities to the public. The Council commended Bagbin for his efforts to maintain democratic standards through effective legislative management.
In response to the crisis, Speaker Bagbin plans to cut short his upcoming trip to Australia, originally set for November 3-8, after MPs requested an early reconvening of Parliament. His office is now working to facilitate a recall in early November.
In a related legal matter, the Supreme Court has dismissed Bagbin’s recent attempt to overturn a previous ruling, postponing the case until November 18. Bagbin is challenging the Court’s authority, claiming it has overstepped its bounds by interfering in parliamentary affairs.
His legal team argues that such involvement undermines the principles of parliamentary independence, fairness, and natural justice.
The dispute revolves around Bagbin’s effort to declare four parliamentary seats vacant, a decision the Court blocked following a writ from Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. Bagbin’s application aims to nullify the Court’s order, asserting his authority as Speaker and reinforcing his initial ruling on the contested seats.
These developments highlight the ongoing struggle to uphold the autonomy of Parliament in managing its own affairs without judicial interference.
