Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has once again voiced his frustration over what he believes to be Speaker Alban Bagbin’s role in escalating tensions in the Ghanaian Parliament.
At a press conference held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, Afenyo-Markin accused Bagbin of overseeing chaos, specifically citing an incident where NDC MPs occupied the Majority side of the House, violating parliamentary norms.
Afenyo-Markin argued that such behavior was indicative of the NDC’s strategy to create confusion, and he claimed that Bagbin was failing to maintain order.
“The Speaker is setting the country on fire,” Afenyo-Markin lamented, calling for Bagbin to show leadership and respect for the Constitution.
The situation came to a head when the Speaker had to adjourn Parliament indefinitely due to a lack of quorum.
The NPP MPs, who had requested an emergency recall of Parliament after it was adjourned on October 22, 2024, were conspicuously absent.
Bagbin explained that no business could be transacted because the NPP MPs had failed to attend the necessary Business Committee meetings or submit a business order. As a result, the session was adjourned.
Despite Afenyo-Markin’s call for Bagbin to act in a more conciliatory manner, Speaker Bagbin’s actions have been criticized by the NPP.
The NPP’s Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the leader of the NDC caucus, also weighed in, confirming that NPP MPs had missed several critical committee meetings, further stalling legislative progress.
Ato Forson explained that despite attempts to engage with the NPP side, no MPs responded, leaving the session unproductive.
This political standoff has raised concerns over the functioning of Parliament, especially as critical government business remains stalled. It also underscores the deepening divide between the NPP and NDC, which could have significant implications for the legislative agenda.
