The ongoing political developments in Parliament have prompted the Minority caucus to urge the Majority to accept their new position within the legislative body.
This call follows a contentious decision by the Speaker of Parliament to declare four parliamentary seats vacant, which has sparked a strong reaction from the Majority caucus. In response to the Speaker’s ruling on Thursday, October 17, the Majority, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, staged a walkout in protest.
The ruling affects MPs Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central), all of whom have decided to contest the 2024 elections as independent candidates. Meanwhile, Andrew Asiamah (Fomena) has chosen to run under the NPP’s ticket. According to Speaker Alban Bagbin, based on constitutional provisions, by declaring their independent candidacies or switching to other political parties, these MPs have effectively vacated their parliamentary seats.
This decision has altered the balance of power in Parliament, with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) now holding 136 seats, compared to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 135, making the NDC the majority caucus.
The ruling has sparked debate and confusion, raising questions about how Parliament will operate under the new arrangement.
First Deputy Minority Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim, expressed frustration with the Majority’s reaction and called on their leadership to accept the Speaker’s ruling and focus on governance. He questioned the logic behind the Majority’s claim to retain control despite the numbers showing a shift in favor of the NDC.