NDC applauds Speaker for effective leadership

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has commended the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, for his effective leadership during last Tuesday’s parliamentary session.

It lauded the Speaker’s approach to managing the day’s proceedings, describing it as a model of parliamentary leadership.

In a statement issued on October 22, 2024 and signed by its General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the NDC described Mr Bagbin’s handling of the meeting as a masterclass.

“The mature leadership he displayed during Tuesday’s parliamentary proceedings was exceptional,” it said.

Integrity

“We applaud him for working in the interest of Parliament and the people of Ghana and enhancing the integrity of Parliament with his leadership,” it stressed.

It expressed confidence that the integrity and independence of parliamentary processes would be upheld, stressing that “the House will continue to prioritise the interests of the people of Ghana above partisan interests.”

NDC caucus

The statement also commended the NDC caucus for showing unwavering resoluteness.

“Their steadfastness inspires confidence and hope in our determination to resist oppressor’s rule and to give expression to the faith that power ultimately belongs to the people, and no arm of government or institution can subvert the will of the people,” it stated.

It said the NDC remained resolute in its dedication to fostering democracy and ensuring a brighter, more prosperous future for all Ghanaians.

Background

The Speaker of Parliament last Tuesday adjourned Parliament indefinitely.

It followed Mr Bagbin’s acknowledgement of the legal proceedings surrounding the composition of the House and the attendant public interest over the declaration of the seats of four Members of Parliament (MPs) vacant.

With the Supreme Court order appearing to restrain his hands on the matter that had evoked drama in the nation’s political space in the past week, the Speaker adjourned proceedings less than 15 minutes after he had assumed his chair in the chamber.

Last Thursday, Mr Bagbin, declared four parliamentary seats vacant on the premise that the current occupants had defected by filing to contest the next elections on tickets different from what they represent in the current Parliament.

This followed a petition by a former Minority Leader and MP for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, who argued that pursuant to Article 97 (g) and (h), the four MPs have forfeited their seats.

The next day after the Speaker of Parliament’s ruling, the Supreme Court put it on hold until the final determination of a suit seeking an interpretation of Article 97(g) and (h), following an ex parte motion of a stay of execution.

The Supreme Court held that if the ruling by the Speaker was not stayed, it would render the issues for determination in the substantive suit nugatory.

Again, the apex court was of the view that the ruling by the Speaker ought to be stayed because the four MPs were not given a hearing before their seats were declared vacant.