Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has adjourned Parliament sine die, following heightened tensions between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Caucuses over who holds the Majority in the House.
The dispute erupted when both parties attempted to claim the Speaker’s right-hand side of the Chamber, traditionally occupied by the Majority.
The standoff intensified when NPP Parliamentary Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin led his members out of the Dome of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), where Parliament was temporarily sitting, and returned to their offices at Job 600, awaiting further directives from the Speaker. Meanwhile, the NDC, led by Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, occupied the Majority seats in the Chamber.
Speaker declares vacancies, sparks legal dispute
The controversy began on Thursday when Speaker Bagbin declared four parliamentary seats vacant, citing Article 97(1) of the Constitution, which mandates that MPs vacate their seats if they switch parties or run as independents.
Affected MPs
The affected MPs include Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadwo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central), representing both the NPP and NDC. This move temporarily shifted the numerical majority to the NDC.
However, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, intervened, halting the Speaker’s decision and allowing the affected MPs to retain their seats while legal proceedings continue.
The court emphasized that the rights of the MPs’ constituents must be protected and directed Speaker Bagbin and the Attorney General to file their case within seven days.
Speaker cites constitutional quorum
During the resumed sitting, Speaker Bagbin noted that while the House had enough members for a quorum under Article 102, it lacked the numbers needed for decision-making as outlined in Article 104.
Given the ongoing legal disputes and political friction, he exercised his discretion under Standing Order 59(1) to suspend parliamentary proceedings indefinitely.
“Honourable Members, considering the circumstances and the state of affairs in Parliament, I hereby adjourn the House sine die,” Speaker Bagbin declared, following consultations with parliamentary leadership.
Security heightened amid tensions
Security around Parliament was notably increased, with MPs and parliamentary staff undergoing thorough screenings, and access to the public gallery restricted.
There were concerns about potential clashes between the NPP and NDC members as both sides continue to vie for control of the House.
The political deadlock occurs as Ghana prepares for the 2024 general elections, with the ongoing legal and constitutional battles casting uncertainty over the parliamentary landscape. Both the NPP and NDC remain resolute in their efforts to assert dominance in Parliament amid this highly charged environment.
