By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, Aug 31, GNA – Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has announced that the upcoming parliamentary meeting scheduled to resume on Tuesday, September 3, will be held at The Dome, at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
A letter dated August 27, 2024, signed by the Speaker, and made available to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Wednesday, announced the expected resumption.
The letter read in part: “Pursuant to the notice to summon Parliament dated 7th August 2024, I Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, hereby appoints The Dome, Accra International Conference Center, Accra, as the place of the Meeting.
“This decision marks a significant departure from Ghana’s legislative activities, which have traditionally taken place in Parliament’s main chamber, the letter said.”
The communication cited the constitutional basis for the change, and referenced Article 112(3) of the 1992 Constitution, which empowers the Speaker to designate an alternate meeting place for Parliament when necessary.
“…The primary reason for this relocation is the ongoing renovation work in the main chamber of Parliament, which serves as the usual venue for Parliamentary sessions,” the letter said.
According to Speaker Bagbin, these repairs are extensive and would not be completed in time for the planned recall.
The renovation project would include significant upgrades to the Chamber’s infrastructure, such as improvements to the working tables, chairs, and other furnishings that were critical to the legislative body’s daily operations.
Speaker Bagbin had previously summoned Parliament to meet on Tuesday, September 3, at a time and location to be announced as soon as one became available.
The Speaker’s decision to recall the House was prompted by a petition from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Majority Caucus, which requested that the Speaker recall the House to conduct some urgent government business.
However, Mr Bagbin said: “…with the Chamber of Parliament under renovation, finding an alternative venue on short notice would be impractical, costly, and an unnecessary strain on Parliament and public funds.”
Speaker Bagbin in a statement, which was made available to the Ghana News Agency said: “The request before me was brought pursuant to Article 112 (3) of the Constitution and Order 53 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, and not Article 113, which deals with emergency matters.”
GNA