Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has firmly asserted that New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament will not occupy the Minority seats in Parliament, as the country awaits the Supreme Court’s judgment on Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant.
Afenyo-Markin’s remarks followed the Supreme Court’s adjournment on Monday, November 11, with a final ruling expected on Tuesday, November 12.
This case, centered on Speaker Bagbin’s declaration regarding the vacant seats, has ignited political tension and raised questions about the constitutional limits of the Speaker’s authority.
Speaking to the media, Afenyo-Markin stressed that NPP MPs would never take up the Minority seats, even temporarily, as it would undermine the party’s standing and potentially demoralize its members.
He argued that such an action would project a divisive image within Parliament and send a confusing message to the public.
“The council of state reached out to me, explaining that Mr. Speaker assured them that the NDC would occupy their own seats.
If Mr. Speaker changes this position, what should I do? Should I sit in the Minority seat? Spiritually, it’s not even right with the election just weeks away. That is not our rightful place,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
He added, “Moving to the Minority side, even symbolically, could affect our morale and unity. We will not do that. No NPP member will take that step.”
This stance comes amidst escalating tension in Parliament over the Speaker’s actions and the broader implications of this dispute over vacant seats.
The case, which challenges the Speaker’s authority to declare parliamentary seats vacant without judicial oversight, is shaping up to be one of Ghana’s most consequential constitutional debates.
