As Ghanaians eagerly await the much-anticipated parliamentary session on Tuesday, security measures around the Parliament House have been heightened to ensure the safety of key stakeholders. The session is expected to be crucial, with widespread public and political anticipation as all eyes are on the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who may defy a court ruling and stand by his earlier decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant.
A press statement signed by Frederick Bawa, Deputy Marshall of Parliament, announced a series of stringent security protocols aimed at safeguarding the Speaker, MPs, and parliamentary staff. The heightened security comes amidst growing tensions following the Speaker’s controversial move to declare four parliamentary seats vacant— a decision that has stirred debate and anxiety among political circles and the general public. The statement emphasized that these measures are not only necessary but crucial to maintaining order and safety during what is expected to be a heated sitting.
“As part of measures put in place to ensure the safety and security of the Rt. Hon. Speaker, MPs, and staff, Honourable Members are respectfully requested to take note of the following,” the statement outlined.
Key security steps include thorough screening of all MPs, staff, and members of the press before entry into the parliamentary chamber. Additionally, bodyguards of MPs will not be allowed inside the chamber, a move aimed at preventing unnecessary disruptions and maintaining control over access to the premises.
Vehicles will also be restricted from parking around the Grand Arena, with MPs being dropped off at designated zones within the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) precincts, where they will be directed by the Ghana Police Service. MPs are also required to wear their parliamentary identification tags for easy identification and streamlined access.
Furthermore, access to the parliamentary chamber will begin at 0800 hours, and, notably, the public will be barred from entering the public gallery until further notice. This decision reflects a move to limit external interference and manage crowds amidst heightened security concerns.
This session is drawing significant attention as it is expected to reveal whether Speaker Bagbin will defy a court ruling to stay his previous announcement regarding the vacant seats. The Speaker’s stance has sparked significant political debate, with many eager to see how Tuesday’s events will unfold and whether it will lead to further legal or parliamentary confrontations.
The security measures underscore the importance and sensitivity of the upcoming sitting, with the public and stakeholders anxiously awaiting the outcome. Political analysts predict that the Speaker’s decision could have far-reaching implications for Ghana’s political landscape and parliamentary integrity.
The parliamentary leadership is counting on the cooperation of all parties involved, stating, “Respectfully counting on the cooperation of all,” as the institution prepares to navigate what could be one of its most challenging moments in recent history.
The stakes are high, and the nation is watching closely.
