In a dramatic move, the Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament, led by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has occupied seats traditionally reserved for the Majority, further intensifying the political standoff between the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
This action, taken on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, has heightened tensions as Parliament reconvenes amid ongoing legal and political disputes. The Minority’s bold decision follows a ruling by Speaker Alban Bagbin, who declared four parliamentary seats vacant on October 17, effectively reducing the NPP’s numbers and shifting the balance of power to the NDC.
NDC Occupies Majority Side After Speaker’s Ruling
Speaker Bagbin’s ruling left the NDC with 136 seats, making them the de facto majority, while the NPP holds 135 seats. The vacant seats include two NPP MPs, one NDC MP, and one independent MP.
However, the NPP swiftly challenged the Speaker’s decision. Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin filed an appeal with the Supreme Court, which intervened on October 18, staying the Speaker’s ruling. The Court ordered that the affected MPs be allowed to continue their duties until a final decision is made, leaving the Majority’s status in limbo.
In response, the NDC’s decision to take over the Majority’s seats is seen as a symbolic assertion of their numerical advantage in the Chamber. NDC Chief Whip, Governs Kwame Agbodza, stated that their actions are justified based on the Speaker’s ruling and the current composition of Parliament.
Tensions Rise as NPP Protests Minority’s Actions
As NDC MPs took their seats, traditionally occupied by NPP members, it sparked an uproar from the Majority. NPP MPs protested the move, accusing the opposition of disregarding the ongoing legal process and attempting to seize control of Parliament prematurely.
Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh expressed strong disapproval of the NDC’s actions, warning that the Majority would not allow the opposition to take control without due process.
Heightened Security and Restricted Access in Parliament
Security in and around Parliament has been significantly increased in anticipation of potential clashes between the two sides. MPs and staff underwent strict screening before entering the Chamber, and bodyguards were prohibited from entering. Additionally, access to the public gallery was restricted, and parking around the Grand Arena was tightly controlled.
Political and Legal Implications
The power struggle in Parliament comes at a crucial time as Ghana prepares for the 2024 general elections. The legal and constitutional implications of the Speaker’s ruling, the Supreme Court’s intervention, and the current battle over parliamentary control have created a volatile political environment.
The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has called for calm and urged both parties to follow due legal processes. In a statement, CDD-Ghana emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability amid the political tensions.
As the legal battle over the vacant seats continues, the political drama in Parliament is expected to escalate in the coming days. Both the NDC and NPP are determined to emerge victorious in the fight for control, with the Supreme Court’s final decision set to play a critical role in determining the future balance of power in Parliament.
For now, the Minority’s occupation of the Majority side signals that the struggle for dominance in Ghana’s Parliament is far from over.
Related stories:
No Showdown on Tuesday, We’ll Simply Walk Out – Afenyo-Markin
Supreme Court Halts Speaker’s Ruling on Vacant Parliamentary Seats
“We Will Fiercely Protect Our New Majority Status” – Ato Forson
Afenyo-Markin Urges Speaker Bagbin to Respect Supreme Court’s Stay of Execution Ruling
