Story: News Desk
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reaffirmed its full support for Speaker Alban Bagbin, lauding his leadership and commitment to protecting the dignity of Parliament.
At a press conference on Sunday, October 20, 2024, following the Supreme Court’s stay of execution on a ruling by Speaker Bagbin that declared four parliamentary seats vacant, the leader of the NDC Caucus in Parliament, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, expressed confidence in the Speaker’s decision and urged Ghanaians to stand by him.
Dr Forson praised Bagbin’s distinguished 32-year career in Parliament and described him as a “courageous and resolute leader.”
He stressed that the Speaker’s ruling was both lawful and fair, dismissing any claims to the contrary.
“We are confident that the Rt. Hon. Speaker has acted fairly, firmly, and lawfully in a matter that is perfectly within his province.
“Speaker Bagbin has had a distinguished and unprecedented 32-year career in the Parliament of Ghana. Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Bagbin is a courageous and resolute leader. We stand with him, pledge our full support, and urge him to protect the dignity and sanctity of the Parliament of Ghana.”
The Parliamentarian called on Ghanaians to rally behind Speaker Bagbin, emphasizing the need to resist any attempts to undermine Parliament’s independence.
“In the same vein, we call on Ghanaians to stand by the Speaker and to resist the oppressor’s rule,” he declared.
Dr Forson also used the platform to criticise the policies of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, which he said had brought the country to the brink of economic crisis.
He vowed that the NDC, with its majority in Parliament, would begin the process of reversing the policies that have hurt the people of Ghana.
“From day one, we have not reneged on our fight for the people of Ghana. The opportune time has come, and we are determined to immediately commence the process of reversing the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia mess and put our country back on track.
“The people of Ghana can count on us and be rest assured that the NDC majority will protect their interests.”
Speaker Bagbin’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant has been a flashpoint in the ongoing power struggle between the NDC and the NPP in the 8th Parliament, with both sides vying for control of the house.
The Supreme Court’s stay of execution on Bagbin’s ruling has temporarily halted the NDC’s claim to a definitive majority, but the party has remained resolute in its defence of the Speaker’s authority.
Parliament is expected to resume sitting on Tuesday, October 22, where the Speaker’s response to the Supreme Court ruling is highly anticipated.