The Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica) has voiced serious concerns regarding the ongoing impasse in Ghana’s Parliament, which has led to an indefinite suspension of parliamentary sittings since October.
PNAfrica argues that the situation has hindered Parliament’s ability to fulfil its legislative duties, warning that the financial cost of these disruptions is an avoidable burden on taxpayers.
“It is extremely disappointing that Parliament has failed to resolve its internal disagreements and engage constructively on critical national issues.”
This deadlock is not only a disservice to the Ghanaian people but also a significant waste of public resources,” PNAfrica stated in its press release.
The impasse, stemming from partisan conflicts between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucuses, has led to two adjournments since October 22, with Parliament unable to resume meaningful legislative activity.
Ghana’s parliamentary sessions are currently being held in rented facilities due to ongoing renovations in the main chamber, intensifying the financial strain on the public purse as sittings go unproductive.
The civil society organization is calling on the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Bagbin, to take decisive steps toward ending the deadlock.
PNAfrica stressed Speaker Bagbin’s wealth of parliamentary experience and appealed to him to “lead in facilitating negotiations and finding common ground” for both parties.
“We urge Rt. Hon. Bagbin to leverage his extensive experience to bring Parliament back on track. A compromise must be reached, allowing Parliament to resume sittings and fulfil its responsibilities to the nation,” the organization added.
PNAfrica also addressed the leaders of the NPP and NDC caucuses, Mr. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin and Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, respectively.
Emphasizing the importance of putting national interests above partisan concerns, the organization stated, “We expect all parties to cooperate with the Speaker and any external bodies to ensure a swift and lasting solution.”
It further recommended that if internal negotiations fail to break the deadlock, third-party assistance may be necessary. Specifically, PNAfrica proposed involving institutions like the Council of State to offer “an impartial perspective and help establish a framework to resume parliamentary activities.”
Stressing the costs incurred by every parliamentary session, PNAfrica warned of the financial implications if the impasse continues.
“Every sitting incurs a significant cost, particularly in this period of rented facilities. Ghana simply cannot afford for Parliament’s sessions to go unproductive,” it warned.
PNAfrica reiterated its call for a resolution to the current deadlock and indicated Ghana’s Parliament must work together to resolve this impasse swiftly, not only to avoid further unnecessary costs but also to ensure the proper functioning of the legislative body for the benefit of all Ghanaians.