In an effort to enhance safety and maintain order within Parliament, the leadership of Parliament has unveiled a series of strict security protocols, aimed at safeguarding the Right Honourable Speaker, Members of Parliament (MPs) and staff as well as the press.
The measures, detailed in a statement by Deputy Marshall WG CDR Frederick Bawa (Rtd), are set to take effect as Parliament reconvenes today.
The new guidelines will require all MPs, staff, and members of the press to undergo rigorous screening before entering the Chamber, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access the premises. This move, according to the statement, is part of a broader effort to reinforce security measures and establish a controlled environment during parliamentary proceedings.
One of the most significant changes is the restriction on personal security personnel. MPs’ bodyguards will no longer be permitted inside the Chamber, compelling members to comply with this regulation in the interest of a secure legislative environment.
To prevent congestion and maintain a streamlined flow of traffic around the Grand Arena, parking will be restricted, with vehicles allowed only in designated zones. The new arrangement will see VIPs directed to specific drop-off points within the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) precincts, under the supervision of the Ghana Police Service. Officers will be on hand to manage traffic and ensure smooth, secure access.
Additionally, the leadership has mandated that MPs wear their identification tags at all times. This initiative is intended to assist security personnel in easily identifying authorized individuals, both within the Chamber and its surrounding areas.
Access to the Chamber will be open from 8:00 a.m., allowing adequate time for all members and staff to pass through the security checks before sessions commence. Cooperation with security protocols and punctuality have been emphasized to prevent delays, and public access to the gallery will be temporarily restricted until further notice.
These heightened security measures come ahead of a highly anticipated parliamentary session on today, which has garnered public attention following a contentious ruling by Speaker Alban Bagbin. On October 17, the Speaker declared four parliamentary seats vacant, citing constitutional grounds after Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson raised concerns regarding MPs who had declared intentions to run as independent candidates or under a different political party.
This decision effectively granted the NDC a majority with 136 seats, reducing the NPP’s count to 135. However, the ruling was stayed by the Supreme Court on October 18, after an appeal by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. The court’s intervention allows the affected MPs to continue their duties until a final legal determination is made.
The Speaker’s declaration, coupled with the Supreme Court’s stay, has sparked a constitutional debate, stirring discussions about parliamentary authority and the judiciary’s role in legislative matters. The outcome of these legal and political developments is set to influence the dynamic of Ghana’s Parliament as the country heads towards the 2024 general elections.
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