The New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has issued a strong condemnation of Speaker Alban Bagbin, accusing him of sowing discord and undermining Ghana’s democratic processes.
His criticism came in response to Speaker Bagbin’s recent press conference, which he described as “non-reconciliatory” and divisive, accusing Bagbin of “setting the country on fire” instead of adopting a statesmanlike approach to resolve mounting political tensions.
A key issue that has raised concern is the Speaker’s handling of the seating arrangements in Parliament.
Mr Afenyo-Markin said Speaker Bagbin is “supervising chaos” by allowing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus to occupy seats traditionally designated for the majority, which the NPP asserts should be theirs.
During a press conference, Mr Afenyo-Markin questioned Speaker Bagbin’s commitment to democratic principles and accused him of damaging the integrity of Parliament.
“If he claims that what he did was a formal communication in response to a statement from the Minority leader, then why is he supervising chaos in the House?” Afenyo-Markin asked.
He described Speaker Bagbin’s actions as damaging to Ghana’s democratic image and criticized his role in escalating the standoff between the NPP and NDC caucuses.
dispute over seating arrangements
The controversy escalated after Speaker Bagbin announced that four NPP MPs’ seats were vacant, leading the NDC caucus to claim the majority side of the House.
Mr Afenyo-Markin reported that despite raising concerns with Speaker Bagbin and inquiring whether he had authorized the seating changes, the Speaker did not take corrective action. Instead, he said Speaker Bagbin attributed seating arrangements to the Clerk of Parliament, although Mr Afenyo-Markin contended that this was inadequate in resolving the issue.
“The expectation was for Mr Speaker to direct the NDC to do the right thing, but he refused,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
This lack of directive led the NPP MPs to abstain from Parliament, prompting Speaker Bagbin to adjourn the House indefinitely, citing a lack of quorum to conduct legislative business.
Bagbin’s attack on Judiciary
Mr Afenyo-Markin expressed alarm over the Speaker’s remarks regarding his relationship with the judiciary, as Speaker Bagbin dismissed judicial rulings, suggesting that the judiciary was aligned with the Executive.
“How can Mr Speaker say that he respects the Constitution but will not subject himself to the dictates of the Judiciary?
“How can he suggest that the Judiciary is colluding with the President?” Afenyo-Markin questioned, accusing Bagbin of acting “in bad faith” and undermining democratic checks and balances.
The NPP leader added that following the Speaker’s failed appeal to overturn a stay by the Supreme Court, Mr Bagbin resorted to attacking the court’s credibility.
Mr Afenyo-Markin underscored that a “true democrat” respects the rule of law, even when rulings do not align with personal or political interests.
Calls for reconciliation
Mr Afenyo-Markin called on Speaker Bagbin to prioritize national unity and reconciliation, arguing that his recent conduct risks stoking political unrest.
He cited engagements with the Council of State and the Peace Council, where there was an apparent understanding that Speaker Bagbin would direct the NDC MPs to sit on the minority side.
However, despite assurances, Speaker Bagbin has yet to enforce the seating arrangement, which Mr Afenyo-Markin insists is worsening the situation.
His remarks underscored the expectation that Speaker Bagbin would act to restore order, but with continued defiance, he argued that the Speaker is compromising Ghana’s democratic foundations.
A crossroad for Ghana’s parliamentary democracy
As tensions reach a boiling point, Mr Afenyo-Markin’s statements highlight the growing divide within Ghana’s political leadership, with accusations that Speaker Bagbin’s actions are fueling chaos and weakening democratic stability.
The NPP caucus leader urged the Speaker to embrace a spirit of statesmanship, warning that the stakes are high for Ghana’s democracy and national unity.
“We cannot allow the Speaker’s actions to set the country on fire,” Afenyo-Markin concluded, underscoring the gravity of Bagbin’s influence in this critical period.
The call for reconciliation comes with a cautionary reminder of the potential consequences if the Speaker fails to uphold democratic principles and facilitate a peaceful resolution within Parliament.
