adverts
The African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) has dismissed the efficacy of walkouts as a political strategy for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) minority in the 9th Parliament, citing their lack of numerical strength.
Speaking with Umaru Sanda Amadu on January 25, Dr. Rasheed Draman, Executive Director of ACEPA, analysed the strategic challenges faced by the NPP minority compared to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) minority in the previous 8th Parliament.
Dr. Draman noted that the NDC minority in the 8th Parliament had the unique advantage of near-equal numbers to disrupt government business or compel compromises but failed to fully utilise this strength.
adverts
“For four years, we didn’t see the NDC leverage their position as much as they could have. One might ask if it was a weak strategy that they didn’t push the same issues now being raised by the NPP,” Dr. Draman said.
In contrast, the current NPP minority faces significant hurdles. With only 88 seats compared to the NDC majority’s 180+, the NPP lacks the numerical leverage needed to make walkouts impactful.
“A walkout in this Parliament isn’t going to achieve much because a quorum could still be formed without them,” Dr. Draman explained, adding that successful parliamentary strategies depend on numbers and the majority’s willingness to engage the minority constructively.
Traditionally, walkouts are used by opposition parties to highlight dissatisfaction or boycott debates. However, Dr. Draman emphasised that their effectiveness is limited in parliaments with large majorities.
As the dynamics of Ghana’s 9th Parliament unfold, the NPP minority faces the challenge of adapting their strategies to a numerical disadvantage, while the majority must navigate the pressures of constructive engagement.
