“We Still See Ourselves as the Majority” – Mahama Ayariga

The Minority caucus in Parliament is asserting its claim to the majority position following Speaker Alban Bagbin’s indefinite adjournment of the House on Tuesday, October 22.

This decision followed a heated session where the Speaker noted a lack of sufficient Members of Parliament (MPs) present to conduct business.

The standoff arises from the Speaker’s recent announcement declaring four parliamentary seats vacant, based on a motion from Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Forson.

This motion cited constitutional provisions related to MPs who switched parties or ran as independents, affecting the seats of representatives from Fomena, Suhum, Agona West, and Amenfi Central.

Despite the Supreme Court issuing a stay of execution on Bagbin’s ruling, which temporarily halts the immediate vacating of those seats, the Minority contends that the Speaker’s decision has tipped the power balance in their favor.

In an interview, Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga reinforced this stance, asserting that the Speaker’s declaration stands, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs will not concede to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) until the Speaker rescinds his ruling.

Ayariga noted that while the Minority will respect the adjournment and return to their constituencies, they will continue to view themselves as the majority until the issue is resolved.

“This parliamentary standoff has cast uncertainty over the legislative process, with both sides awaiting the next steps. Ayariga emphasized,

‘We consider ourselves the Majority. The Speaker hasn’t altered his communication regarding the numbers in the House, and we see no reason to change our stance.’

He dismissed concerns that the current situation would hinder government operations, attributing the economic struggles of Ghanaians to governmental mismanagement.

Earlier that morning, security was heightened around Parliament as the Majority walked out, leaving the Minority to navigate the ongoing tensions.