On Thursday, October 17, Speaker of Parliament Alban S.K. Bagbin ruled that four Members of Parliament (MPs) have vacated their seats after deciding to contest the upcoming December 7, 2024, parliamentary elections as independent candidates or under a different party’s banner.

The MPs affected are Cynthia Mamle Morrison (Agona West) and Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), both New Patriotic Party (NPP) members, and Peter Kwakye-Ackah (Amenfi Central) from the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Additionally, Andrew Amoako Asiamah, the Fomena MP and Second Deputy Speaker, who was elected as an independent, is now contesting under the NPP.

The Speaker’s decision shifts the balance of power in Parliament, giving the NDC 136 seats, while the NPP now holds 135 seats.

This ruling follows Article 97(1)(g), which states that MPs must vacate their seats if they switch parties or run as independents. The NPP has filed a Supreme Court suit challenging the ruling.

Parliament will reconvene on Tuesday, October 22.