Parliament has implemented strict security measures for all proceedings beginning today, Tuesday, October 22, in response to the current constitutional controversy over the status of four parliamentary seats.
The precautions, stated in a press release signed by Frederick Bawa (retired), Deputy Marshall of Parliament, are intended to ensure the safety of the Speaker, MPs, and staff during this critical moment.
The press announcement follows recent political and legal developments in which Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson invoked Article 97(1)(g) of the 1992 Constitution to challenge the occupation of four parliamentary seats.
The Speaker declared the seats empty on October 17, but the Supreme Court intervened on October 18 to suspend the verdict and allow the affected MPs to continue serving until a final decision was made.
In view of the current circumstances, Parliament has resolved to strengthen security protocols.
According to the statement, all MPs, personnel, and press members would be thoroughly screened before entering the chamber.
Furthermore, MPs’ bodyguards will not be allowed inside the Chamber throughout the proceedings.
This measure is viewed as maintaining order and avoiding potential disruptions during the upcoming heated sessions.
Additional security measures include parking restrictions near the Grand Arena, with MPs needing to utilize designated drop-off zones within the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
The Ghana Police Service will direct MPs and their vehicles to appropriate locations.
MPs must also wear their parliamentary identification tags for ease of verification, and entrance to the Chamber begins at 8:00 a.m.
Furthermore, entrance to the public gallery has been restricted until further notice, preventing members of the public from attending parliamentary sessions in person.
This bill, along with others, seeks to de-escalate any possible tensions that may occur during this constitutional standoff.
The statement continued, “Respectfully counting on the cooperation of all. ” It urged all MPs and staff to follow the new norms to ensure that parliamentary work runs smoothly and securely.
These increased security measures come at a critical time, as the country awaits further developments in the constitutional issues in Parliament.
With increased public attention in the case, these limits are likely to assist in maintaining calm and order within the parliamentary body.