Tensions Escalate as Minority MPs Seize Majority Seats in Parliament
Security measures around Parliament have been significantly tightened in anticipation of potential clashes
- The NDC claims a de facto majority with 136 seats after Speaker Bagbin's ruling
- The NPP has appealed to the Supreme Court against the Speaker's ruling, causing uncertainty in parliamentary control
- Security has been tightened around Parliament
The Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has claimed seats typically held by the Majority, intensifying the already charged political atmosphere between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
This bold maneuver, led by Minority leadership, coincides with Parliament’s highly anticipated session on October 22, 2024.
The Minority’s occupation of the Majority side is a direct reaction to Speaker Alban Bagbin’s recent ruling, which declared four parliamentary seats vacant, shifting the balance of power in favor of the NDC.
This decision leaves the NDC with 136 seats, granting them a de facto majority, while the NPP holds 135.
However, the Majority has quickly countered, with Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin appealing to the Supreme Court to challenge the Speaker’s ruling.
On October 18, the Court intervened, temporarily allowing the affected MPs to retain their roles until a final verdict is reached, leaving the status of the Majority uncertain and escalating the power struggle.
The Minority’s action is seen as a symbolic assertion of their newfound advantage, with Chief Whip Governs Kwame Agbodza defending their position based on the Speaker’s decision. As the session commenced, NDC MPs filled seats traditionally occupied by the NPP, igniting protests from the Majority who accused their opponents of overstepping.
Security measures around Parliament have been significantly tightened in anticipation of potential clashes, with strict screening processes in place and public access limited.
The ongoing political standoff is critical as Ghana approaches the 2024 general elections. The implications of the Speaker’s ruling, the Supreme Court’s stay, and the battle over parliamentary control have created a volatile environment, with both parties committed to prevailing.
The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has urged restraint and adherence to legal processes to avoid political instability, emphasizing the need for prioritizing peace in the nation.
As the legal tussle continues, the drama in Parliament is expected to escalate, leaving the outcome uncertain but signaling that the struggle for dominance is far from resolved.
