Supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have gathered in large numbers at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) for a critical parliamentary session taking place today, October 22, 2024.
The atmosphere outside the AICC is charged, primarily filled with supporters from the Nsawam Adoagyiri constituency, which is represented by Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh.
Clad in party attire, the supporters were seen singing, chanting, and holding placards, demonstrating their solidarity with their MPs as the struggle for control of the Parliamentary Majority intensifies.
Inside the Chamber, tensions have escalated as both the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs assert their claims to the Majority side of Parliament.
This dispute stems from Speaker Alban Bagbin’s controversial ruling on October 17, which declared four parliamentary seats vacant, thereby reducing the NPP’s representation and shifting the power balance in favor of the NDC. This decision has sparked a fierce political and legal standoff between the two major parties.
Notably, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson led the NDC caucus, seated alongside Frank Annoh-Dompreh and other NPP members on the side of the Chamber typically reserved for the Majority.
The NDC’s occupation of the Majority side follows a series of political maneuvers.
Earlier, Minority Chief Whip Governs Kwame Agbodza accused Annoh-Dompreh of being “smuggled” into Parliament in the early hours of Tuesday, allegedly violating protocols that required the Chamber doors to remain closed until 8:00 a.m.
Agbodza implied that security personnel conspired to grant Annoh-Dompreh early access, suggesting the NPP was attempting to manipulate the situation to maintain their control of the Majority side.
In response, Frank Annoh-Dompreh swiftly dismissed these allegations as unfounded. He clarified that he arrived at Parliament early, as is customary, and was present when asked to step out for routine security checks.
“I come to Parliament early, and I was sitting there when they informed me they wanted to sweep the place, so I stepped out to stand here,” Annoh-Dompreh explained.
He further emphasized that the NPP caucus would not allow themselves to be marginalized and would take all necessary measures to defend their claim to the Majority side of the Chamber.
“There are lessons I need to teach him [Agbodza]. He needs to be cautious about making such allegations. It is my duty to ensure everything is in order,” Annoh-Dompreh stated. “We will do whatever it takes to ensure that they do not walk over us.”
These dramatic scenes in Parliament follow the Supreme Court’s intervention on October 18, which stayed the Speaker’s ruling regarding the vacant seats, allowing the affected MPs to continue their roles until a final legal resolution is reached.
As a result, the status of the Majority remains uncertain, creating a politically charged environment as both parties vigorously defend their claims.
Security has been heightened inside and outside the AICC, with law enforcement personnel managing the situation to ensure proceedings continue without violence.
MPs and parliamentary staff underwent thorough security checks upon entry, and access to the public gallery was restricted to prevent disruptions.
As the standoff persists, both sides remain steadfast in their positions, with no signs of compromise.
The NDC asserts they are the new Majority following the Speaker’s ruling, while the NPP maintains that the Supreme Court’s stay of execution means they retain control until a final judgment is reached.
This ongoing parliamentary battle represents a significant development as Ghana approaches the 2024 general elections.
The political consequences of the current power struggle, combined with the legal challenges surrounding the vacant seats, are likely to influence Ghana’s political landscape in the months ahead.
