Peace Council engages Minority, Majority to maintain order in Parliament

The National Peace Council has called an emergency meeting ahead of a potentially tense parliamentary session on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. This meeting aims to prevent disruptions following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling, which had declared four parliamentary seats vacant.

Tensions have risen, with the Minority in Parliament expressing their intent to occupy the Majority's side of the chamber until the Speaker issues a new ruling. This situation has added to the political uncertainty surrounding the balance of power in the legislature.

To maintain order, the National Peace Council is engaging key stakeholders, including the leadership of Parliament, executives from both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as well as other relevant agencies. The primary objective is to ensure that Tuesday’s session proceeds without incident.

Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, a member of the National Peace Council and spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, emphasized the need for restraint, urging all parties to act responsibly to prevent an escalation.

“We don’t want to see any unfortunate events unfold. There have even been suggestions that military personnel could be deployed, though there is no concrete evidence to support that. Nonetheless, we must be prepared for any outcome,” he said.

Sheikh Shaibu called on government bodies to put aside political biases, viewing the current situation as a chance to strengthen Ghana’s democracy.

“This is not about one party or another. It’s a moment in our democratic journey where crucial decisions must be made for the betterment of our nation’s future,” he concluded