NPP, NDC tussle over Majority status in Parliament today

The nation’s attention turns to Parliament today as the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) battle over which party will control the majority side.

The power struggle follows Speaker Alban Bagbin’s controversial decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant, a move that would tilt the majority in favour of the NDC.

The Speaker’s ruling, which has drawn criticism, is based on Article 97 (1) (g) of the Constitution, which requires Members of Parliament (MPs) to vacate their seats if they leave the party under which they were elected.

The affected MPs, Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah (Amenfi Central), and Andrew Asiamah Amoako (Fomena), have all either switched political allegiances or are running as independent candidates in the upcoming December 7, 2024 elections.

However, the Supreme Court has issued a temporary stay on the Speaker’s decision, intensifying the political standoff.

The NPP, which currently holds the Majority, could lose its grip on Parliament if the ruling stands.

Amid these developments, concerns have emerged over reports of military deployment to the parliamentary precincts.

While the First Deputy Majority Whip, Habib Iddrisu, dismissed these claims, the NDC Chief Whip, Kwame Governs Agbodza, warned against any such actions, threatening resistance from his caucus.

Mr Agbodza also referenced the 2021 incident during the inauguration of the 8th Parliament, where military personnel were deployed, alleging that MPs were assaulted during that time.

He vowed that any military presence in the House would be met with strong opposition from the people of Ghana.

In contrast, the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, downplayed fears of a showdown, stating that the NPP would walk out of Parliament rather than engage in confrontation if tensions escalated.

Legal and governance experts have weighed in on the issue, expressing concerns over the potential consequences of the Speaker’s ruling.

Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, also known as Kwaku Azar, warned that declaring seats vacant just before an election sets a dangerous precedent that could stifle MPs’ political ambitions and upset the balance of power determined by voters.

Meanwhile, Rasheed Draman, Executive Director of the African Center for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), called for a dialogue between the President, the Speaker, and the Chief Justice to resolve the issue amicably, warning that unchecked conflicts could weaken public institutions.

Legal practitioner and former Ghana Bar Association President, Sam Okudzeto, emphasized that the interpretation of the Constitution lies with the Supreme Court, not Parliament, and urged all parties to respect the court’s authority.

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