NPP MPs Stage Walkout Amidst Growing Parliamentary Tensions, Await Speaker’s Directive

Members of Parliament (MPs) from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) exited the parliamentary chamber in a peaceful walkout as they await a decisive ruling from Speaker Alban Bagbin regarding the status of the parliamentary majority and the allocation of seats. The standoff arose after the Speaker’s recent declaration that four parliamentary seats had been vacated, intensifying the political impasse between the NPP and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The core of the dispute stems from Speaker Bagbin’s ruling on October 17, where he declared the seats for Fomena, Amenfi Central, Suhum, and Agona West vacant. His decision, based on Article 97(1)(g) of the 1992 Constitution, targeted MPs who had declared intentions to contest as independents or under a different party. This ruling, prompted by a query from Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson, shifted the balance of power in Parliament, giving the NDC a claimed majority of 136 seats, leaving the NPP with 135.

However, on October 18, the Supreme Court intervened, temporarily halting the Speaker’s decision following a suit filed by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. This allowed the affected MPs to retain their seats and continue their duties until a final court decision is reached.

When Parliament reconvened on October 22, tensions escalated. NDC MPs, led by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, occupied the majority side of the chamber, asserting their claim as the new majority. In response, NPP MPs, citing the Supreme Court’s stay of the Speaker’s ruling, refused to accept this arrangement, insisting that they maintain their majority status until a legal resolution is reached.

Amid the heated standoff, NPP MPs, led by Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, walked out of the chamber in protest, demanding clear guidance from Speaker Bagbin. Annoh-Dompreh vowed that the NPP caucus would defend their position and dismissed allegations of underhanded tactics in the chamber.

The situation now hinges on Speaker Bagbin’s next directive, which is expected to significantly impact the legislative process and the balance of power ahead of the 2024 general elections. The NPP caucus argues that the Supreme Court’s ruling supports their continued occupation of the majority side, while the NDC holds firm that the Speaker’s initial declaration remains in effect until the court delivers a final verdict.

Public interest in the parliamentary standoff has grown, with many Ghanaians closely following the developments. Political analysts warn that prolonged deadlock could further divide the House and disrupt critical legislative functions. All eyes are now on Speaker Bagbin as the NPP waits for a resolution before returning to the chamber, leaving Parliament in a state of uncertainty.

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