The Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has called on Ghanaians to avoid spreading unnecessary fear about the state of Parliament.

The Speaker also assured the public that the legislative body remains fully operational.

Speaker Bagbin was addressing concerns over recent criticisms suggesting that Parliament is ineffective.

“Stop pressing the panic buttons and fear-mongering. Let the system work,” Speaker Bagbin said during a press briefing in Parliament on Wednesday, 6 November 2024.

With over 30 years in parliamentary service and more than 40 years in public service, Speaker Bagbin emphasised his dedication to maintaining order within Ghana’s legislature, asserting that he would not allow the institution to descend into disarray under his leadership.

“I have extensive experience, and it is my wish to leave Parliament as strong as it was before I became its leader,” he stated, underlining his commitment to upholding the integrity of the third arm of government.

Speaker Bagbin affirmed that the 8th Parliament of Ghana’s 4th Republic is “alive and functioning,” countering claims that recent judicial proceedings involving vacant parliamentary seats have disrupted its operations.

His remarks come in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling concerning the status of these vacant seats, which had sparked public discourse and criticism regarding Parliament’s stability.