The Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has claimed seats typically reserved for the Majority, escalating tensions between the two factions as Parliament reconvenes on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
This decisive action by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) follows a recent ruling by Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who declared four parliamentary seats vacant on October 17.
This ruling effectively reduced the governing New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) representation and shifted the balance of power, with the NDC now holding 136 seats compared to the NPP’s 135.
The vacant seats include two from the NPP, one from the NDC, and one from an independent MP.
The NPP quickly challenged the Speaker’s ruling, with Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin appealing to the Supreme Court.
On October 18, the Court intervened, staying the Speaker’s ruling and allowing the affected MPs to continue their duties pending a final decision.
This has left the majority’s status uncertain, prompting the minority to assert its perceived numerical advantage.
Minority Chief Whip Govern Kwame Agbodza defended their actions, stating they were justified based on the Speaker’s ruling.
As the session began, NDC MPs occupied the majority’s seats, provoking outrage among NPP members, who accused the opposition of undermining their position amid ongoing legal disputes.
Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh condemned the Minority’s actions, asserting that they would not passively allow the opposition to take control.
In response to the escalating situation, security measures in and around Parliament have been heightened, with increased screening for MPs and staff and restricted access to the public gallery.
This political stalemate comes at a crucial moment as Ghana approaches the 2024 general elections.
The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has urged both parties to exercise restraint and adhere to legal processes to avert political instability.
As the legal battle continues, the unfolding drama in Parliament is expected to intensify, with both sides preparing for a prolonged struggle over control.
The ultimate resolution from the Supreme Court may either restore order or exacerbate divisions, but the Minority’s assertive move has signalled that the contest for parliamentary dominance is far from settled.