Ato Forson Applauds Speaker’s Decision to Adjourn Parliament Indefinitely

ACCRA: Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Caucus, has commended Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin for his decision to adjourn Ghana's Parliament sine die. Speaking to the Parliamentary Press Corps, Dr. Forson emphasized the NDC's stance as the Majority in Parliament, asserting their position is clear and fortified by the Constitution and Standing Orders. According to Ghana News Agency, the Speaker's decision to adjourn the House follows a Supreme Court ruling which directed Parliament to recognize four Members of Parliament, whose seats were earlier declared vacant, allowing them to continue representing their constituents. The seats in question, Amenfi Central, Fomena, Agona West, and Suhum, were declared vacant due to breaches of Article 9(1)(g) and (h) of the 1992 Constitution. This article stipulates that MPs must vacate their seats if they switch parties or, as independents, join another party. The Speaker's earlier ruling was a response to a critical parliamentary and constitutional matter raised by Dr. Forson on October 15, pursuant to Order 93 of the Standing Orders of Parliament. This development left the NPP Caucus with 135 MPs and the NDC with 136 MPs. However, the Supreme Court intervened, setting aside the Speaker's ruling and allowing the four MPs to resume their legislative duties. During a formal communication to the House on October 22, Speaker Bagbin announced the adjournment, noting that while the required number for conducting business was present, it was insufficient for decision-making. The NDC Caucus occupied the Majority side as the NPP Caucus retreated to their offices. The Speaker concluded by stating he exercised his discretion to suspend the meeting indefinitely after consulting parliamentary leadership.