On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, most Members of Parliament from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) joined New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP Frank Annoh-Dompreh to occupy the Majority side of Parliament.
This move comes in the wake of Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision on October 17 to declare four parliamentary seats vacant, a ruling that the Supreme Court temporarily halted on October 18.
Despite the Supreme Court’s directive allowing the four MPs to remain in their positions until the case is resolved, NDC lawmakers are asserting their Majority status.
They argue that Bagbin’s ruling supports their claim to be the Majority, thus challenging the legal implications of the Supreme Court’s order.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the leader of the NDC lawmakers, stated in a press conference, “We will jealously protect our new Majority status and will not bow, retreat nor surrender our lawfully earned status.” He emphasized the need to resist any interference in Parliament’s business, asserting that such actions are “unlawful and unacceptable.”
The four MPs whose seats were declared vacant include:
- Cynthia Morrison (NPP, Agona West) – running as an independent candidate.
- Kwadwo Asante (NPP, Suhum) – also running as an independent candidate.
- Andrew Asiamah Amoako (Independent, Fomena) – will run as an NPP candidate in the upcoming elections.
- Peter Kwakye Ackah (NDC, Amenfi Central).
This situation highlights ongoing tensions between the legislative and judicial branches in Ghana, raising questions about constitutional governance and the implications for parliamentary democracy.
