The Council of State has summoned Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin to address recent parliamentary issues following his decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant after MPs crossed the floor.

This meeting was confirmed in an October 30, 2024, statement from the Parliamentary Service’s Public Affairs Sub-Division, which emphasized the Council’s commitment to assist Speaker Bagbin in resolving any challenges related to his declaration and its implications.

The statement shared details of the meeting:

“A five-member delegation from the Council of State, led by Chairman Nana Otuo Siriboe, met with Rt. Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin to discuss recent events in Parliament, which led to an indefinite adjournment. After thorough discussions, the Council assured the Speaker of their readiness to help him and Parliament’s leadership to resolve any outstanding issues to allow for Parliament’s recall.

The Speaker briefed the delegation on the circumstances and reasons for his decision in the House, affirming his dedication to strengthening Ghana’s democratic governance.

The Council of State commended Speaker Bagbin for upholding Ghana’s democratic values through his effective legislative leadership and roles, including as President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSHAL), and a member of the International Legislative Advisory Council of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) in the U.S. Chairman Nana Otuo Siriboe encouraged him to continue his efforts for the benefit of Ghana.

Speaker Bagbin also informed the Council of his role in the upcoming 67th CPA International Conference in Sydney, Australia, from November 3rd to 8th, where he will pass on the CPA presidency to the Speaker of the New South Wales Parliament. He noted, however, that he intends to return to Ghana earlier to facilitate Parliament’s recall as requested by members. Efforts to reconvene Parliament in early November are already underway, following his re-election to a second term as President of CoSHAL.”