Parliamentary proceedings on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, descended into chaos as a heated standoff erupted between Majority and Minority MPs over the Speaker’s order to continue the day’s business amidst controversy surrounding the Kpandai parliamentary seat.
The disruption followed Speaker Alban Bagbin’s deferral of a ruling on the Kpandai seat vacancy, which was declared following a Tamale High Court decision ordering a rerun of the constituency’s election.
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On Monday, December 8, the Clerk of Parliament formally notified the Electoral Commission (EC) that the seat had become vacant in accordance with the court’s directive.
Minority MPs, led by Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, insisted that no government business should proceed until the dispute over the Kpandai seat was resolved.
Mr. Annoh-Dompreh described the Clerk’s letter to EC Chairperson Jean Mensa, dated December 4, 2025, as “out of place” and “unfortunate,” arguing it violated the rule of law.
When Speaker Bagbin called for a voice vote to continue proceedings, Minority MPs protested vehemently.
Clad in black, they stood and moved toward the front of the chamber, chanting patriotic songs, banging tables, and hooting at Clerk of Parliament Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, who had attempted to maintain order.
The standoff intensified as some Majority MPs advanced toward the chamber front, creating a tense face-off between the two sides.
The situation escalated further when Minority MPs repeatedly blocked Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga from responding to calls for the withdrawal of the letter notifying the EC of the vacancy.
Their obstruction forced Speaker Bagbin to temporarily suspend proceedings, urging MPs to respect parliamentary Standing Orders and noting that the matter could only be resolved after consulting the leaders of the house.
The disruption highlighted the deepening political tensions in Parliament, with both sides entrenched in their positions. Minority MPs insisted the declaration of the Kpandai seat as vacant should be withdrawn immediately, while the Majority argued that the Speaker’s decision to continue proceedings was within the rules of parliamentary conduct.
As chaos engulfed the chamber, parliamentary marshals struggled to restore calm, with loud chants and shouts reverberating across the session hall.
The dramatic events underscore the intensity of the dispute over the Kpandai constituency and the challenges facing Parliament in maintaining order amidst highly charged political disagreements.
The suspension of proceedings leaves unresolved the contentious issue of the Kpandai seat, raising questions about how and when the matter will be formally addressed by Parliament and the Electoral Commission.
