Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has categorically denied rumors that he met with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to negotiate a settlement regarding the four parliamentary seats declared vacant.
The controversy surrounding the Fomena, Amenfi Central, Suhum, and Agona West seats has been ongoing since Bagbin’s declaration on October 17, which was later stayed by the Supreme Court.
Recently, a misleading video began circulating on social media, allegedly showing Bagbin meeting with Akufo-Addo. This sparked speculation about a potential negotiation between the two leaders, fueling further controversy.
However, Parliament has stepped in to clarify the situation. In a statement released on Tuesday, October 22, Parliament explained that the video in question was actually taken on July 4, 2024, during the presentation of the maiden Democracy Cup to the President.
According to Parliament, the video has been deliberately taken out of context and shared with the intention of misleading the public.
The institution strongly refuted any claims of negotiation between Bagbin and Akufo-Addo, emphasizing that there is no truth to the rumors.
Parliament’s statement described the attempt to link the video to the current parliamentary issues as “disingenuous” and “unfortunate.” The institution urged the public to disregard the video and treat it with contempt, as it is an attempt to “hoodwink” people into believing false information.
“The attention of Parliament has been drawn to a video circulating on social media insinuating that the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has been invited to a meeting with the President to negotiate a settlement in respect of the pronouncement by the Rt. Hon. Speaker on Thursday, 17th October, 2024,” the statement read.
“Parliament states without any equivocation that there is no iota of truth in the insinuation in the circulated video.
The video in question was taken on 4th July 2024, when the Rt. Hon. Speaker led a delegation to present the maiden democracy cup to the President.”
By setting the record straight, Parliament aims to maintain transparency and uphold the integrity of the Speaker and the institution as a whole. The clarification also serves to reassure the public that Parliament remains committed to upholding the principles of democracy and good governance.
As the controversy surrounding the parliamentary seats continues to unfold, Parliament’s denial of any negotiation between Bagbin and Akufo-Addo provides much-needed clarity.
The institution’s emphasis on truth and transparency is essential in maintaining public trust and confidence in Ghana’s democratic processes.
