The Council of State has assured the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin of its commitment to help resolve the impasse that led to the indefinite adjournment of parliamentary sittings.
The assurance came during a visit on Wednesday, October 30, led by Council Chairman Nana Otuo Siribour II, to discuss the ongoing parliamentary crisis with the Speaker.
During the meeting, Speaker Bagbin briefed the Council on the situation and explained the reasoning behind his declarations concerning four contested seats in Parliament.
He emphasized his commitment to upholding Ghana’s democracy and to fulfilling his duty to the people. The Council commended Bagbin for his efforts to safeguard democratic standards through effective legislative management.
In light of the crisis, Speaker Bagbin plans to shorten his upcoming visit to Australia, originally scheduled for November 3-8, responding to MPs’ requests to reconvene Parliament. His office has begun the process to facilitate an early November recall.
Meanwhile, in a separate legal development, the Supreme Court has rejected Speaker Bagbin’s latest attempt to overturn its previous ruling, adjourning the case until November 18.
Bagbin’s application challenges the Supreme Court’s authority, arguing that it exceeded its mandate by intervening in parliamentary matters. His legal team contends that the Court’s involvement infringes on the principles of parliamentary independence, fairness, and natural justice.
The dispute centres around Bagbin’s attempt to declare four parliamentary seats vacant—a decision the Court blocked in response to a writ filed by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
Bagbin’s application seeks to nullify the Court’s order, reinforcing his authority as Speaker and supporting his initial ruling on the four seats.
These efforts reflect a broader struggle to affirm the autonomy of Parliament in managing its own affairs without judicial intervention.
