The Council of State has pledged its preparedness to assist in resolving any impasse in Parliament, to pave the way for a recall of the House.
Nana Otuo Serebuor II, Chairman of the Council, said members were ready to work with the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and the leadership of the House, to settle whatever standoff that existed, for effective legislative functioning.
Nana Serebour gave the assurance on Wednesday when he led a five-member delegation of the Council of State to call on the Speaker of Parliament, to ascertain at first-hand recent happenings in the Legislature, resulting in the indefinite adjournment of the House.
Nana Serebuor, who is also Paramount Chief of Asante-Juaben Traditional Area, applauded the efforts of the Speaker in keeping the country’s democratic credentials high, through efficient handling of the Legislature.
The Speaker was also praised for his leadership role as the President of Parliamentary organisations, like the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International, Conference of the Speakers and President of African Legislatures (CoSHAL), and an Executive Member of the International Legislative Advisory Council of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) in the United States of America.
Mr Bagbin, who narrated the developments in Parliament and the basis for his pronouncements on the floor of the House, assured the delegation of his commitment to the development of the country’s democracy and its people.
He said that his office has already started processes to recall the House in early November.
The Speaker announced that he was compelled to lead the Ghana parliamentary delegation to attend the 67th Conference of the CPA International, at Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, from November 3 – 8, 2024.
He, however, indicated that he will return to Ghana earlier than anticipated, due to a request by Members of Parliament to recall the House.
The Ghanaian delegation would include the former Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Suame, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the two Leaders of the House, two Whips, the Clerk to Parliament, and other officials of the Parliamentary Service.
Mr Bagbin and the Immediate Past President of CPA International, are expected to hand over to the newly elected President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, the Speaker of the Parliament of New South Wales, Australia.
He has recently been elected to a second term as President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures.