The Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has escalated the ongoing standoff by occupying seats traditionally reserved for the Majority, intensifying the political friction between the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP). The move, led by the Minority leadership, occurred as Parliament reconvened for a highly anticipated session on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
This bold action follows Speaker Alban Bagbin’s October 17 ruling that declared four parliamentary seats vacant, reducing the NPP’s numbers and shifting the balance of power in favor of the NDC. With 136 seats, the NDC now holds a slight edge over the NPP’s 135 seats, further inflaming tensions in Parliament.
The Majority, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, swiftly challenged the Speaker’s ruling, appealing to the Supreme Court. On October 18, the Court intervened, staying the ruling and allowing the affected MPs to retain their seats pending a final decision. This has created a power struggle, with both sides laying claim to control of the Chamber.
The Minority’s decision to occupy the Majority seats is seen as a symbolic assertion of their newfound numerical advantage. Minority Chief Whip Governs Kwame Agbodza defended the move, stating that it was justified by the Speaker’s ruling and the current composition of Parliament. This action sparked protests from NPP MPs, who accused the opposition of undermining the ongoing legal process.
Security around Parliament has been heightened in anticipation of clashes, with MPs and staff subjected to strict screening before entering the Chamber. Public access to the gallery has been restricted, and parking around the area is being tightly controlled to manage the situation.
The ongoing dispute comes at a crucial time for Ghana, as the nation prepares for the 2024 general elections. The legal and constitutional implications of the Speaker’s ruling and the Supreme Court’s intervention have created a volatile atmosphere in Parliament, with both parties determined to assert their dominance.
The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has called for calm, urging both sides to follow due legal processes and prioritize national stability. As the legal battle over the vacant seats continues, the political drama is expected to intensify in the coming days, with both the NPP and NDC preparing for a prolonged confrontation.
Whether the Supreme Court’s final ruling will restore order or deepen the divide remains uncertain, but the Minority’s takeover of the Majority’s seats has sent a clear message that the fight for control in Parliament is far from over.
