Members of Parliament (MPs) from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have vacated the parliamentary chamber, awaiting a crucial directive from Speaker Alban Bagbin regarding seat occupancy and the status of the parliamentary majority.
The peaceful walkout occurred amid an escalating dispute between the NPP caucus and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), which now claims the majority side of Parliament following the Speaker’s contentious ruling that four parliamentary seats had been declared vacant.
On October 17, Speaker Alban Bagbin declared the seats for Fomena, Amenfi Central, Suhum, and Agona West vacant, citing Article 97(1)(g) of the 1992 Constitution, which governs MPs who choose to contest as independents or under a different party’s banner.
The ruling, in response to concerns raised by Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson, significantly altered the balance of power in Parliament, with the NDC claiming a majority of 136 seats to the NPP’s 135.
However, on October 18, the Supreme Court intervened, following a suit filed by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, temporarily suspending the Speaker’s ruling, allowing the affected MPs to retain their seats until the case is resolved.
When Parliament reconvened on October 22, tensions peaked. NDC MPs, led by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, took their seats on the majority side of the chamber, asserting their dominance.
NPP MPs, however, contested this move, arguing that the Supreme Court’s intervention preserved their right to occupy the majority side until a final legal decision is reached.
Amid rising frustration, NPP MPs, led by Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, walked out of the chamber, demanding clarity from Speaker Bagbin on which party is entitled to the majority seating.
The situation now depends on Speaker Bagbin’s next decision, which could have far-reaching consequences for the legislative process and the balance of power ahead of the 2024 elections.
NPP MPs are adamant that the Supreme Court’s ruling permits them to remain in the majority, while the NDC maintains that Bagbin’s original declaration holds until the court fully hears the case.
The ongoing standoff has garnered significant public attention, with many Ghanaians keenly observing how the situation unfolds.
Analysts warn that a prolonged impasse could deepen divisions within the House and disrupt key legislative work.
Until Speaker Bagbin issues his ruling, the NPP MPs have vowed not to return to the chamber, leaving the House in a state of uncertainty.
