The Majority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has vowed to maintain peace and avoid violence following a dramatic incident where opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament took over the Majority bench during yesterday’s sitting.
This move comes after a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, which has stirred controversy between the two sides.
Majority Leader’s Call for Respect and Restraint
Speaking to the media after staging a walkout from Parliament, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin urged the NDC Minority Group to respect the Supreme Court’s decision, which overturned Speaker Alban Bagbin’s orders.
The court’s ruling, issued on Friday, October 18, 2024, allowed four previously barred MPs to return to Parliament and declared their seats vacant no longer.
Mr Afenyo-Markin stressed that the path to gaining control of the Majority bench is through elections and not “patapaa” (brute force).
He encouraged the NDC to persuade Ghanaians through the ballot if they wish to secure a majority, saying, “The path to the Majority bench is not carved through brute force or ‘patapaa’ in the hope that the seats on the Speaker’s right will be surrendered.”
Supreme Court ruling sparks tension
On October 18, 2024, the Supreme Court of Ghana temporarily overturned Speaker Bagbin’s ruling, which had barred four MPs—Andrew Amoako Asiama (Independent MP for Fomena and 2nd Deputy Speaker), Cynthia Mamle Morrison (NPP MP for Agona West), Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah (NDC MP for Wassa Amenfi East), and Kwadwo Asante (NPP MP for Suhum)—from representing their constituencies. The court directed that Parliament recognize the MPs and allow them to resume their duties.
This ruling came in response to an ex-parte application filed by Majority Leader Afenyo-Markin, who sought to stay the Speaker’s earlier decision.
Minority Caucus defends their position
Following the court ruling, the Minority Caucus, led by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, declared their intent to protect their newly claimed majority status.
Dr. Forson cited Speaker Bagbin’s ruling as shifting the balance of power in Parliament, giving the NDC Caucus a slight edge with 136 MPs compared to the NPP’s 135.
“The NPP has 135 members. This effectively alters the configurations of Parliament significantly,” Dr. Forson stated, arguing that the NPP should now be recognized as the Minority Caucus according to Parliament’s Standing Orders.
The NDC backed this declaration by taking over the Majority bench during Tuesday’s session, reinforcing their stance that they hold the rightful majority.
Commitment to peace and non-violence
Despite the rising tensions, Mr Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the Majority Caucus will continue to respect the rule of law and will not resort to violence.
He reiterated that they will not engage in confrontational tactics and will walk away if the NDC MPs attempt to enforce their position through what he called “advertised thuggery.”
“If they insist on entering the chamber with advertised thuggery, we will quietly leave and stay away from the House,” he affirmed.
Parliament adjourned
The walkout led to a meeting between Speaker Bagbin and Parliament’s leadership, but the discussions failed to yield a resolution.
As a result, the Speaker adjourned Parliament sine die (indefinitely), leaving the impasse between the Majority and Minority unresolved for the time being.
