In anticipation of a potentially heated parliamentary session on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, the National Peace Council has convened an emergency meeting to ensure order is maintained. The gathering comes amid rising tensions following the Supreme Court’s decision to halt Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling, which had declared four parliamentary seats vacant.
The Minority in Parliament has signaled its intention to take over the Majority side of the chamber until the Speaker provides further clarity on the issue, creating a standoff that threatens to disrupt proceedings. With the balance of power in the legislature hanging in the balance, political uncertainty looms large.
In response, the National Peace Council is engaging key stakeholders, including parliamentary leadership, executives from both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and other relevant agencies, in an effort to mediate the situation and prevent chaos. The meeting aims to ensure that Tuesday’s session proceeds smoothly and without any disorderly incidents.
Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, a member of the National Peace Council and spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, emphasized the importance of calm and responsible action from all parties involved.
“We don’t want to see anything untoward happen tomorrow. There have even been suggestions of a possible military deployment, though there’s no solid basis for that. Still, we must be prepared for any outcome,” Sheikh Shaibu warned.
He also called on the various branches of government to set aside political interests and use this moment as an opportunity to reinforce Ghana’s democracy.
“This is not about one party or the other. It’s about taking a step forward in our democratic journey and making decisions that will ultimately benefit the future of our nation,” he added.
As Parliament prepares to reconvene, all eyes are on the leadership and their ability to navigate the current political challenges while maintaining peace and stability in the country.
