The Parliamentary Service of the Parliament House of Ghana has issued some security directives ahead of the anticipated potential chaos that may characterize the proceedings of Parliament on Tuesday 22nd October, 2024.According to the release, which is signed by the Deputy Marshal of Parliament, WG CDR Commander Bawa (RTD), the measures are put in place to ensure the safety and security of the Rt.
Honorable Speaker, Members of Parliament (MPs), and Staff.The honorable are entreated to note the following: * All MPs, staff and members of the Press will not be screened thoroughly before entry into the Chamber. * Bodyguards of MPs will not be permitted in the Chamber. * Vehicles will not be allowed to park around the Grand Arena; * MPs are to be dropped at designated drop-off zones within the precincts of AICC; * The Ghana Police Service will provide directions to the designated drop-off zones; * MPs are requested to wear their parliamentary identification tags; * Access to the Chamber will be 0800hrs; * The public will not be allowed access to the public gallery until further notice.
The release therefore requests for the total cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure a smooth proceeding.These measures come on the back of the meham which has engulfed the 7th 8th Parliament after the Speaker of Parliament declared some four seats vacant of which three belonged to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and one to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), just 50 days ahead of the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.However, in less than 24 hours later, a Supreme Court ruling on the 18th October, 2024 overturned the Speaker's decision, thereby heightening the tension amongst the two sides ahead of Tuesday's proceedings.Right from its inception on 7th January, 2021 this 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic which is the first ever Hung Parliament in the history of Ghana was plunged into a state of chaos over the election of the Speaker.
And ever since then, this Parliament has been characterized by many historical occurrences which make it unique in every way.By Samuel Afriyie Owusu