I Will Lock Chamber Doors at 10am From Next Year – Speaker Alban Bagbin Warns Late MPs

In a bold move signaling a shift in parliamentary norms, the Speaker of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic declared an unprecedented protocol for the commencement of sessions. In a resolute statement issued ahead of the first meeting of the fourth session, the Speaker affirmed that the doors of the parliamentary chamber will be firmly locked promptly at 10 am, and no late entries will be permitted.

Addressing the pressing issue of punctuality among Members of Parliament (MPs), the Speaker emphasized that the customary practice of waiting for tardy attendees would no longer be upheld. “There is nowhere in the world where the Speaker will have to go and sit and wait for MPs to come in, it does not happen,” the Speaker affirmed in the public statement.

This new directive aims to instill a sense of accountability and timeliness among the parliamentarians, underscoring the importance of promptness in parliamentary proceedings. The decision to lock the doors serves as a firm reminder of the necessity for MPs to arrive punctually, allowing sessions to commence efficiently and effectively.

This unprecedented measure reflects the Speaker’s commitment to upholding the decorum and efficacy of parliamentary sessions, encouraging MPs to prioritize their attendance and punctuality. The implementation of this rule is anticipated to foster a more disciplined approach to parliamentary responsibilities and deliberations, ultimately enhancing the functionality of the legislative process.