The Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has seized control of the seats usually designated for the Majority, escalating the already strained standoff between the two factions.
When Parliament reconvenes for a highly anticipated session on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, the Minority, under the guidance of its leadership, is making a strategic move.
This bold action has increased the political tension between the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), as they compete for dominance in the Chamber amidst various legal and political conflicts.
The decision by the Minority to occupy the Majority’s seats is viewed as a reaction to Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin’s recent ruling. This ruling declared four parliamentary seats vacant on October 17, diminishing the NPP’s numbers and shifting the balance of power towards the NDC.
The ruling resulted in the NDC having 136 seats, giving them the majority in the Chamber, with the NPP still holding 135 seats. Two seats from the NPP, one from the NDC, as well as one independent MP’s seat are among those that are vacant.
The ruling by the Speaker was quickly challenged by the Majority, led by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who filed an appeal with the Supreme Court. On October 18, the Court stepped in and issued a stay on the Speaker’s ruling, directing that the impacted MPs should be permitted to carry out their responsibilities until a final resolution is made.
The status of the Majority in Parliament is now uncertain, leading to a power struggle for control of the Chamber.
Many people see the Minority’s choice to take over the Majority side as a symbolic way to show their growing numerical power. During a pre-session interview, Minority Chief Whip Governs Kwame Agbodza justified their actions by pointing to the Speaker’s ruling and the Parliament’s current composition.
As the session commenced, NDC MPs were observed taking their seats in the area typically designated for the NPP. Additionally, certain members of the Minority leadership were seated in the front rows with the Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh.
The NPP MPs were outraged by this decision and argued that the opposition was trying to take their place without respecting the current legal procedures.
Frank Annoh-Dompreh, leading the Majority Caucus, strongly criticized the actions of the Minority. Annoh-Dompreh, who had previously denied allegations of being “smuggled” into Parliament, cautioned that the Majority would not sit back and allow the Minority to take charge.
Security around Parliament has been visibly increased in preparation for potential confrontations between the opposing factions. Before entering the Chamber, both MPs and parliamentary staff underwent comprehensive screening procedures, with the strict rule that bodyguards were not allowed inside.
Furthermore, the public gallery was only accessible to a limited number of people, and strict parking regulations were enforced around the Grand Arena to avoid traffic congestion.
As Ghana prepares for the 2024 general elections, the political deadlock in Parliament poses a significant challenge.
The Speaker’s ruling, the Supreme Court’s intervention, and the ongoing dispute over parliamentary seats have resulted in a tense atmosphere, with both the NPP and NDC vying for success.
The CDD-Ghana has advised both parties to show restraint and adhere to legal procedures to resolve the ongoing deadlock. The Center issued a warning about possible political instability and urged all parties involved to prioritize the nation’s peace and stability.
With the legal fight over the empty seats ongoing, the political tension in Parliament is set to heighten in the upcoming days. Both factions are preparing for a drawn-out standoff.
It is unclear whether the Supreme Court’s ruling will bring order or widen the divide, but the Minority’s takeover of the Majority side sends a clear message that the fight for control in Parliament is ongoing.
