PNAfrica Calls for Swift Resolution of Ghana’s Parliamentary Stalemate
Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica) has expressed grave concerns over the persistent impasse in Ghana’s Parliament, which has led to two indefinite adjournments, severely hampering the institution’s ability to address pressing national issues. PNAfrica contends that this ongoing stalemate is a disservice to the public and a significant misuse of national resources.
As the central forum for Ghana’s democratic discourse, Parliament’s inability to resolve its internal differences has cast a shadow on its effectiveness. The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Bagbin, and leaders of both the NPP and NDC Caucuses are urged by PNAfrica to put aside partisan interests to facilitate uninterrupted parliamentary functions.
The impasse, spanning from the initial adjournment on October 22 to the latest on November 7, has impeded the legislative agenda, posing a financial strain on the public, particularly as sessions are held in rented venues due to ongoing renovations. This added cost to the public purse, PNAfrica argues, is an avoidable burden at a time when fiscal prudence is paramount.
PNAfrica has therefore called on Parliament to urgently resolve its internal deadlock, urging the Speaker to leverage his experience to guide a constructive dialogue. With the Supreme Court expected to interpret contentious provisions in Article 97(1)(g) and (h), PNAfrica emphasizes the importance of finding common ground, enabling Parliament to continue its work.
Should internal efforts to resolve the deadlock fall short, PNAfrica proposes the involvement of neutral bodies like the Council of State. Such third-party mediation could bring an unbiased perspective to the dialogue, facilitating a return to regular parliamentary activities.
Further, PNAfrica appeals to the NPP and NDC Caucus leaders, Mr. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin and Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to prioritize national welfare in their efforts to resolve the impasse. Collaborative action, whether through the Speaker or external mediators, is vital to ensuring that Parliament fulfills its mandate to the Ghanaian people.
PNAfrica underscores the urgency of swift resolution, not only to mitigate financial losses but to restore Parliament’s functionality, critical to advancing the interests of Ghanaians.
