The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has confirmed that Parliament will reconvene on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
This marks a departure from the usual parliamentary chamber as the venue for legislative sittings.
In a circular issued by the Speaker’s Office on December 11, the choice of the Grand Arena was finalised, paving the way for the first parliamentary session after the December 7 general elections.
This session is expected to address critical national issues and set the stage for Ghana’s governance in the transition period.
Speaker Bagbin’s directive follows his initial notice dated December 2, 2024, which officially called for the reconvening of Parliament.
The timing of the session has been a point of contention, with the majority of members of Parliament urging an earlier recall to address legislative matters in the lead-up to the elections.
These calls were, however, rejected by the Speaker, who maintained that the House would reconvene on the scheduled date after the elections.
While the exact reasons for selecting the Grand Arena have not been disclosed, logistical considerations and the expected high attendance may have influenced the decision.
The venue offers a larger and more accessible space, suitable for accommodating lawmakers, officials, and other stakeholders in a secure and conducive environment.
The December 16 session comes at a crucial moment in Ghana’s political calendar.
The elections have heightened political discourse, and the parliamentary agenda will likely focus on key issues, including governance, post-election transitions, and legislative priorities for the new administration.
The reconvening has also sparked debates over its timing and the Speaker’s earlier decision to decline pre-election sessions despite majority calls.
The Grand Arena session is anticipated to attract significant public and political attention. Stakeholders across the spectrum will be closely watching the proceedings, which are expected to reflect the priorities and challenges of Ghana’s post-election governance. The session will also set the tone for collaboration—or potential friction—between opposing sides in Parliament.
This unprecedented move to hold the sitting outside the traditional chamber underscores the dynamic nature of Ghanaian politics and Parliament’s responsiveness to emerging needs and circumstances.
