In a strategic move to strengthen security, the leadership of Ghana’s Parliament has announced a series of robust measures aimed at safeguarding the Right Honourable Speaker, Members of Parliament (MPs), and parliamentary staff. These enhanced protocols come ahead of Tuesday’s highly anticipated sitting.
According to a statement issued by the Deputy Marshall of Parliament, WG CDR Frederick Bawa (Rtd), on Monday, October 21, the new security measures are designed to ensure a safe and orderly environment for parliamentary proceedings. The statement urged MPs, staff, and the media to comply with strict security protocols, including mandatory screening before entering the Chamber.
Key Security Measures
- Mandatory Screening: All individuals, including MPs, parliamentary staff, and members of the press, will be required to undergo thorough security checks before being granted entry into the Chamber. This is aimed at tightening the vetting process for all visitors to Parliament.
- No Bodyguards in the Chamber: In a significant policy change, MPs’ personal security detail will no longer be permitted inside the Chamber. MPs are expected to comply with this regulation to ensure the overall security of the premises.
- Parking Restrictions: To reduce congestion and enhance security, parking near the Grand Arena will be strictly controlled. Only designated zones will be accessible for vehicles, and VIPs will be required to use specific drop-off points at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC). The Ghana Police Service will be on hand to manage traffic and ensure smooth access.
- ID Badges for MPs: To facilitate quick identification, MPs must wear their parliamentary identification tags at all times. This measure will help security personnel identify authorized individuals within the Chamber and surrounding areas.
- Public Gallery Restrictions: Access to the public gallery will be limited until further notice, ensuring a focused and secure environment during the proceedings.
Early Access and Punctuality
Parliament will open its doors for access at 08:00 hours to allow ample time for MPs and staff to pass through security screening ahead of the day’s session. Leadership has stressed the importance of punctuality and full cooperation with security officials to avoid delays.
The Anticipated Tuesday Sitting
The upcoming sitting on Tuesday has generated significant public interest due to recent developments in Parliament. On October 17, the Speaker’s controversial ruling left the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) with 136 seats, making them the majority, while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) holds 135.
The Speaker declared four parliamentary seats vacant after Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson invoked Article 97(1)(g) of the 1992 Constitution, challenging the occupancy of seats by MPs who announced their intentions to contest as independent candidates or under the NPP banner. However, a Supreme Court ruling on October 18, filed by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, temporarily stayed the Speaker’s decision, allowing the affected MPs to retain their seats until a final judgment is delivered.
Constitutional Debate
The Speaker’s ruling, combined with the Supreme Court’s intervention, has sparked a nationwide constitutional debate on the balance of power in Parliament and the judiciary’s role in parliamentary matters.
As tensions rise ahead of Tuesday’s sitting, these enhanced security measures are set to maintain order while ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
Related stories:
No Showdown on Tuesday, We’ll Simply Walk Out – Afenyo-Markin
Supreme Court Halts Speaker’s Ruling on Vacant Parliamentary Seats
“We Will Fiercely Protect Our New Majority Status” – Ato Forson
Afenyo-Markin Urges Speaker Bagbin to Respect Supreme Court’s Stay of Execution Ruling
