In a dramatic turn of events in Ghana’s Parliament, Members of Parliament (MPs) from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), led by their leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, have returned to their offices after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumed the majority position in the House on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
Addressing the press, Afenyo-Markin, the MP for Effutu, emphasised that the NPP is a law-abiding and peaceful party and will not succumb to what he described as “lawlessness” from the NDC.
He stressed the party’s commitment to preserving peace and stability in the country, even in the face of political challenges.
“NPP, our tradition is a law-abiding tradition. Our forebears have been peaceful. The country is hereby informed that we will not give them (NDC) that lawlessness platform that they seek,” Afenyo-Markin declared.
He added, “We know there are innocent Ghanaians going about their business, innocent Ghanaians in academia; we care about them. We understand that there is politics, but we will do it in a civil manner.”
Afenyo-Markin reiterated that the NPP would not allow the peace of the country to be disturbed and affirmed that the party would remain committed to a lawful and peaceful resolution of the parliamentary dispute.
The situation in Parliament escalated after Speaker Alban Bagbin declared four parliamentary seats vacant, a decision that effectively shifted the majority to the NDC caucus. The vacant seats, which involve MPs running as independents or switching political allegiances, include the Suhum, Amenfi Central, Agona West, and Fomena constituencies.
With this declaration, the NDC took control of the majority in the House. However, the NPP swiftly challenged the Speaker’s ruling in the Supreme Court, filing an ex-parte motion to stay execution of the decision.
The Supreme Court later issued a directive to Parliament, asking it to allow the four MPs to continue their duties until the legal case is resolved.
The political standoff has resulted in both parties claiming to be the majority in Parliament.
The NDC caucus, emboldened by the Speaker’s declaration, assumed control of the majority side in the chamber, while the NPP MPs, led by Afenyo-Markin, returned to their offices, awaiting the next course of action.
The NPP’s leadership has indicated that they will abide by the rule of law and await a formal recall of Parliament by Speaker Bagbin, following the Supreme Court’s ruling. Both sides now eagerly await the Speaker’s decision, which could have significant implications for the balance of power in the House as the 2024 general election approaches.
In the meantime, tensions remain high as the two main political parties jostle for control of the majority, with the NPP determined to challenge the Speaker’s ruling and the NDC holding firm to their newfound majority status.