A delegation of the Council of State, led by Chairman Nana Otuo Siriboe, has met with the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, to discuss recent issues within the legislature that led to an indefinite adjournment of Parliament.
The meeting aimed to understand the current situation firsthand and explore ways to facilitate the reopening of the House.
Following the deliberation, members of the Council pledged their commitment to assist the Speaker and parliamentary leadership in resolving the situation.
Nana Otuo Siriboe commended Speaker Bagbin for his handling of Parliament’s affairs during challenging times.
“We applaud your efforts to uphold the democratic credentials of our country and urge you to continue this important work in the interest of Ghana and all Ghanaians,” he said.
Speaker Bagbin updated the Council on the circumstances that led to the current impasse, explaining the basis of his recent actions and statements on the floor of the House.
He affirmed his dedication to promoting Ghana’s democracy and serving the Ghanaian people through effective leadership of the legislature.
Speaker Bagbin emphasized his commitment to resolving the legislative gridlock swiftly and the development of the country’s democracy and added, “I assure you that the leadership of the House is equally resolved to address this situation in the best interest of Ghana.
Speaker Bagbin also revealed that, due to growing demands from Members of Parliament for a recall, his office has begun making arrangements for the House to reconvene in early November.
This comes as he prepares to travel to Sydney, Australia, to attend the 67th Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), where he will officially hand over the presidency to the newly elected leader, the Speaker of the Parliament of New South Wales.
The Speaker assured he intends to return earlier than scheduled to facilitate the recall of Parliament.
The Council of State lauded Speaker Bagbin’s leadership on both domestic and international stages, particularly his roles as the Immediate Past President of CPA International, President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSHAL), and an executive member of the International Legislative Advisory Council of the U.S. National Conference of State Legislatures.
Nana Otuo Siriboe reiterated the Council’s endorsement of his ongoing contributions to Ghana’s democratic stability and growth.
The Ghanaian delegation to the CPA conference in Sydney includes former Majority Leader and MP for Suame, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, leaders of both sides of the House, Whips, and the Clerk to Parliament, along with other officials from the Parliamentary Service.
The conference, which will take place from November 3rd to November 8th, marks an important milestone for Speaker Bagbin as he transitions the CPA presidency to Australia.