Ghana’s Parliament is set to reconvene on October 15, 2024, at the Dome of the Accra International Conference Centre for its fifth meeting of the fourth session. This temporary relocation is necessary due to ongoing renovation works in the main chamber of Parliament, which is usually the venue for its sessions.
The renovation, valued at €2.26 million, aims to modernize the chamber’s activities and produce seamless parliamentary work. The project, undertaken by African Bagg Limited, an indigenous Ghanaian firm, is expected to be completed by the end of October.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin informed Members of Parliament (MPs) about the reconvening through a statement issued on Monday, September 30, 2024. The upcoming meeting is part of the legislative calendar and is expected to address pressing national issues.
During a recent two-day emergency sitting at the Dome, Parliament approved a $250 million loan agreement from the World Bank to support Ghana’s Energy Sector Recovery Programme. This agreement had previously been disapproved before Parliament went on recess.
The loan approval was one of the main reasons Parliament was recalled for the emergency session on September 3. This allowed MPs to deliberate on and pass the critical financial support for the country’s energy sector recovery efforts.
The renovation works include upgrading the conference system, replacing old cables, and introducing a biometric feature for electronic attendance registration. The new system will enable electronic voting and provide MPs with access to votes, proceedings, and parliamentary documents.
The old tabletop system will be replaced with a new one fitted inside the table with a 15-inch screen, microphone, and touch screen. Broadcasting quality cameras will also be installed to enhance video production.
Parliament’s relocation to the Accra International Conference Centre is in accordance with Article 112(3) of the 1992 Constitution. The Majority caucus had requested the recall to address pertinent government businesses.
The fifth meeting of the fourth session is expected to tackle key national issues, including the energy sector recovery programme. MPs will also discuss other critical matters affecting the country.
As Parliament reconvenes, Ghanaians will be watching closely to see how their representatives address the nation’s pressing concerns. The temporary relocation to the Accra International Conference Centre will ensure continuity of parliamentary business despite the renovation works.
Read Below Statement:
