Parliament in Turmoil: NDC and NPP clash over seating arrangements

The Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has occupied the majority side of the house, intensifying the already tense standoff between the two sides.

Led by its leadership, the Minority made this move as Parliament reconvened on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, for a much-anticipated session.

The action has amplified the political friction between the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), as both sides wrestle for control of the Chamber amidst ongoing legal and political battles.

The decision by the Minority to take over the Majority’s seats is seen as a response to the recent ruling by Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who declared four parliamentary seats vacant on October 17, effectively reducing the NPP’s numbers and tilting the balance of power in favour of the NDC.

Delivering the judgement, the Speaker said that by announcing their intent to switch political allegiances, these MPs have effectively forfeited their party affiliations, thus vacating their seats in Parliament.

The MPs—Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kojo Asante (Suhum), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central)—are contesting the polls as independent candidates, while Andrew Asiamah (Fomena), an independent in the current parliament, returns to the NPP.

As a result, the opposition NDC had 136 seats, while the ruling NPP representatives declined to 135, making the NDC the majority party in Parliament.

Unhappy with the proceedings, the NPP Caucus staged a walkout to secure an injunction from the apex court, which overturned Speaker Bagbin’s ruling.

It is expected that with the intervention of the Supreme Court, NPP legislators will maintain their majority status.

However, the NDC has expressed opposition to the Supreme Court ruling, declaring their intentions to resist any attempt to alter their new status.