Starting today, Tuesday, October 22, Parliament has rolled out stringent security protocols for all proceedings in response to the ongoing constitutional debate regarding the status of four parliamentary seats.
The measures were detailed in a press release signed by Frederick Bawa (retired), Deputy Marshall of Parliament, and are designed to safeguard the Speaker, Members of Parliament (MPs), and staff during this critical period.
The announcement follows recent political developments, where Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson invoked Article 97(1)(g) of the 1992 Constitution, challenging the occupancy of four parliamentary seats. The Speaker had declared these seats vacant on October 17, but the Supreme Court intervened the following day, staying the ruling and allowing the affected MPs to continue their duties pending a final decision.
In light of this constitutional controversy, Parliament has opted to bolster its security measures. According to the statement, all MPs, staff, and members of the press will be subjected to thorough screening prior to entering the Chamber. Additionally, bodyguards of MPs will not be permitted inside the Chamber during proceedings, a move intended to maintain order and prevent disruptions during potentially contentious sessions.
Other security enhancements include restrictions on parking around the Grand Arena, with MPs required to utilize designated drop-off zones within the precincts of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC). The Ghana Police Service will assist in directing MPs and their vehicles to the appropriate areas.
To facilitate verification, MPs must wear their parliamentary identification tags, with access to the Chamber commencing at 8:00 a.m. Furthermore, access to the public gallery has been suspended until further notice, barring members of the public from attending parliamentary sessions in person.
These measures are part of efforts to de-escalate tensions during this constitutional standoff. “Respectfully counting on the cooperation of all,” the statement read, urging MPs and staff to adhere to the new guidelines to ensure the smooth and secure continuation of parliamentary business.
