Parliament has enhanced security measures ahead of the expected proceedings on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, to prevent any potential disturbances.
A release signed by the Deputy Marshal of Parliament, WG CDR Commander Bawa (RTD), outlines the safety protocols aimed at ensuring the protection of the Speaker, Members of Parliament (MPs), and staff.
The key security measures include:
- Thorough screening of all MPs, staff, and members of the press before entry into the Chamber.
- Bodyguards of MPs are not allowed in the Chamber.
- No parking is permitted around the Grand Arena.
- MPs must be dropped off at designated zones within the precincts of AICC, as directed by the Ghana Police Service.
- MPs are to wear their parliamentary ID tags.
- Access to the Chamber begins at 0800hrs, with public access to the gallery suspended until further notice.
These precautions follow the ongoing tension in Parliament after the Speaker declared four parliamentary seats vacant, three from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and one from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), ahead of the 2024 elections.
The situation intensified after the Supreme Court overturned the Speaker’s decision on October 18, 2024.
Since its inception on January 7, 2021, this eighth Parliament, Ghana’s first hung Parliament, has been marked by significant events, including disputes over the Speaker’s election, further contributing to the heightened atmosphere.
