Vacant seats: Let’s stop pressing the panic button – Bagbin

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has cautioned against what he describes as unnecessary fear and panic surrounding the declaration of four seats as vacant.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, Speaker Bagbin urged calm, advising that the system be allowed to function properly.

Amid criticisms over the adjournment of proceedings, the Speaker called for an end to panic and fear-mongering, emphasizing that the House is not out of service.

“Stop pressing the panic buttons and fear-mongering. Let the system work,” he advised.

Drawing on his over 30 years of experience in parliamentary service and more than 40 years in public service, the Speaker assured that he would not lead the third arm of government into disarray. He expressed his desire to leave Parliament as strong as it was when he assumed office.

His comments come after Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, during a Supreme Court sitting on Wednesday, October 30, expressed her concerns over the recent parliamentary impasse. With parliamentary sittings suspended at that time, she noted that the situation could lead to a constitutional crisis.

Meanwhile, Parliament is expected to reconvene on Thursday, November 7, 2024.