Bagbin Finalizes Coup – Dribbles Supreme Court, Executives and NPP

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, has declined the request made by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus in Parliament to reconvene the House after he adjourned it sine die.

Speaker Bagbin stated that the House will only be reconvened after the general election on December 7 to address any important matters, ensuring a seamless transition to the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

His decision aligns with the stance of the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, the Minority caucus in Parliament, and the national chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia.

In a memo dated Tuesday, November 26, addressed to the Leader of Government, Alex Afenyo-Markin, the Speaker emphasized the necessity of decorum in parliamentary proceedings and urged Members of Parliament (MP) to act in the national interest.

Mr. Bagbin acknowledged the current political season where MPs and presidential candidates are seeking re-election, excusing them to focus on their campaigns until later next month.

The request to recall Parliament was made by Mr. Afenyo-Markin in a memo following a Supreme Court ruling in his favor after the Speaker declared four seats vacant when the MPs decided to run as independent candidates in the upcoming election.

The issues that were brought up included tax exemptions, financial agreements, and nominations for judicial appointments, among others.

The decision not to recall Parliament was supported by the NDC caucus, who argued that there was no urgent government business necessitating the recall, especially so close to the election.

The NDC leadership, like the Speaker and the Minority caucus, emphasized the importance of democracy and the role of Parliament in upholding it. Both John Dramani Mahama and Johnson Asiedu Nketia reiterated their stance that Parliament should be reopened after the election to continue democratic processes effectively.