The Majority Caucus, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, staged a walkout in Parliament on Thursday, October 17, following a tense exchange with Speaker Alban Bagbin.
The confrontation arose after the Speaker ruled to declare four parliamentary seats vacant, sparking significant disagreement among members.
The affected MPs—Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central)—were disqualified after announcing their intention to run as independent candidates in the upcoming December elections, which resulted in their parliamentary seats being vacated under constitutional provisions.
Tensions escalated when Afenyo-Markin challenged Bagbin’s ruling, leading to a heated back-and-forth between the two.
Speaker Bagbin defended his decision, referencing consultations and directives from the Chief Justice. Despite Afenyo-Markin’s objections, Bagbin stood firm in his ruling.
“We discussed this matter, and based on that discussion, the Chief Justice issued a directive to all registries in the country stating that the Speaker can be served on Mondays during working hours.
“There were reasons for this agreement, and you are aware of them. Yet, you insisted on service being effected while I was presiding over the proceedings. You are the leader of the house, and the Majority Leader is saying this was a service because you placed the court processing on the table and walked away. Is that how you effect service? Don’t go there,” he stated.
In response, Afenyo-Markin expressed his frustration and defended his credibility: “Speaker, with all due respect, for the past 12 years, I have shown you every respect, and I will continue to do so. Mr. Speaker, the facts you presented are not true.
These are issues of credibility, and I will respond. Someone has misled you, and while you have the right to make your point, so do I. No way! Whoever told you that I threw a paper at someone… this is about my credibility, and I will not allow it.”
Speaker Bagbin interjected, clarifying that he never accused the Majority Leader of throwing papers but rather stated that the court process had been placed on the table in his office.
“Majority Leader, you don’t listen at all. I didn’t say you threw a paper at anybody. You are being carried away by your anger and not listening. I said the court process was placed on the table in the office. I never stated it was you or anyone else.
…I don’t want to make further orders. Please resume your seat,” he stated.
In protest of the Speaker’s directive, Afenyo-Markin and the other Majority MPs walked out of the chamber.
