Tensions in Ghana’s Parliament have intensified as members of the Minority Caucus, representing the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), took over seats usually reserved for the Majority. This action took place during the highly anticipated parliamentary session on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
This move, spearheaded by the Minority’s leadership, has added to the already charged atmosphere between the opposition NDC and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), both of whom are engaged in a struggle for dominance in Parliament. The seating shift comes on the heels of several legal and political disputes that have further complicated matters in the Chamber.
The Minority’s decision to occupy the Majority’s seats is largely seen as a reaction to a recent ruling by Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin. On October 17, Bagbin declared four parliamentary seats vacant, reducing the NPP’s numbers and giving the NDC a numerical edge. This shift left the NDC with 136 seats, while the NPP held 135, creating a fragile balance of power.
Among the vacant seats are two from the NPP, one from the NDC, and one from an independent member. Despite the Speaker’s ruling, the NPP quickly contested the decision. On October 18, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin filed an appeal with the Supreme Court, which resulted in a stay of the Speaker’s ruling. The Court directed that the affected MPs could continue their parliamentary duties until a final ruling is made.
This ongoing legal uncertainty has left the status of the Majority in question, creating a power struggle in Parliament. The Minority’s occupation of the Majority side of the Chamber is viewed as a symbolic display of their newfound numerical strength. Minority Chief Whip Governs Kwame Agbodza, in a statement before the session, said their actions were warranted based on the Speaker’s ruling and the current distribution of seats.
As the session commenced, NDC MPs were seen entering the seats traditionally occupied by the NPP, with several key Minority figures sitting in the front rows alongside Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh. This move sparked strong protests from the NPP MPs, who accused the Minority of disregarding the legal process and attempting to illegitimately claim control of the Chamber.
The NPP, led by Frank Annoh-Dompreh, expressed serious objections to the Minority’s actions. Annoh-Dompreh, who previously dismissed claims that he had been “smuggled” into Parliament, emphasized that the Majority would not allow the opposition to seize control without resistance.
In light of the growing tensions, security around Parliament has been tightened. MPs and staff underwent thorough screenings before entering the Chamber, and no bodyguards were allowed inside. Additionally, public access to the gallery was restricted, and parking in the area around Parliament was tightly regulated to prevent congestion.
This political standoff comes at a crucial moment, as Ghana prepares for its 2024 general elections. The legal ramifications of the Speaker’s ruling, the Supreme Court’s intervention, and the current battle over parliamentary control have created an unpredictable environment, with both parties eager to emerge victorious.
The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has urged all parties to exercise caution and respect the rule of law as the situation unfolds. In a statement, the organization highlighted the risk of political instability and called on all stakeholders to prioritize the nation’s peace and stability.
As the legal battle over the vacant seats continues, the political drama in Parliament is expected to intensify in the days ahead. With both the NDC and NPP standing firm, the confrontation over parliamentary control shows no signs of resolution anytime soon.
Whether the Supreme Court’s final ruling will bring clarity or deepen the divide remains uncertain, but for now, the Minority’s bold move has sent a clear message that the power struggle is far from over.
Reported by MyABCLive.com, sourced from Citinewsroom.com
