Parliament yesterday suspended its sitting abruptly following the death of former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, wife of late former President Jerry John Rawlings.
News of her passing reached the chamber while proceedings were underway, throwing the House into shock and grief. The atmosphere immediately turned somber, prompting the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, to move for an adjournment.
“The current circumstances couldn’t allow the House to continue sitting,” Mr. Ayariga announced, bringing proceedings to an unexpected close.
Before the adjournment, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, had presented several audit and accountability documents from Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies across the country.
These included annual statements by various audit committees for the 2024 financial year, as well as a risk-based internal audit work plan for the Offinso Municipal Assembly covering the period from April to December 2024.
The reports covered districts and regional coordinating councils such as Awutu Senya, Offinso, Bodi, Weija-Gbawe, Wassa Amenfi East, Kassena Nankana West, Sekyere Kumawu, Nkwanta South, Savannah, Ga Central, Techiman North, Bia West, Asante Akim South, and North Dayi.
However, the business of the day was quickly overshadowed by the news of the passing of the former First Lady, compelling members on both sides of the House to abandon debate and expressions of partisan interest.
Her passing has been met with deep sorrow across the political spectrum.
Parliament is expected to issue an official statement of condolence to the Rawlings family and honour her memory when the House reconvenes.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House