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The Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has escalated tensions by occupying seats typically reserved for the Majority, further fueling the political standoff between the two factions.
Led by their leadership, the Minority made this bold move as Parliament resumed for a significant session on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) have been locked in a series of legal and political disputes, and this latest action has intensified the rivalry between the sides.
The Minority’s decision to take over the Majority’s seats is seen as a direct response to a ruling made by Speaker Alban Bagbin on October 17, which declared four parliamentary seats vacant. This decision reduced the NPP’s numbers, effectively shifting the balance of power in favor of the NDC, which now holds 136 seats compared to the NPP’s 135. The four vacant seats include two from the NPP, one from the NDC, and another from an independent MP.
Following this ruling, the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, appealed the decision to the Supreme Court. On October 18, the Court intervened and ordered that the MPs whose seats had been declared vacant should continue their duties until a final ruling is made. This has left the status of the Majority in Parliament uncertain, leading to a heated struggle over control of the Chamber.
The Minority’s occupation of the Majority seats is viewed as a symbolic show of their numerical strength. According to Minority Chief Whip Governs Kwame Agbodza, their actions were justified based on the Speaker’s ruling and the current composition of Parliament.
As the session began, NDC MPs took seats traditionally occupied by the NPP, with some Minority leaders sitting in the front rows, where the Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, and other NPP leaders usually sit. This sparked protests from NPP MPs, who accused the NDC of trying to seize control without respecting the ongoing legal process.
Frank Annoh-Dompreh, speaking on behalf of the NPP, voiced strong disapproval of the move, emphasizing that the Majority would not allow the Minority to take over their position. He denied earlier claims that he had been “smuggled” into Parliament and warned against the opposition’s actions.
Security around Parliament has been significantly tightened, with MPs and staff undergoing thorough screening before entering the Chamber. Bodyguards were not allowed inside, and access to the public gallery was restricted. Parking around the Grand Arena was also controlled to avoid congestion.
This political deadlock comes as Ghana heads towards the 2024 general elections, adding to the already charged atmosphere. The Speaker’s ruling, the Supreme Court’s involvement, and the power struggle over parliamentary seats have led to widespread concern about the country’s stability.
The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has urged both the NPP and NDC to remain calm and respect the rule of law as they work through the dispute. In a statement, the Center emphasized the need for peace and stability, warning that the ongoing situation could lead to political instability if not resolved.
As the legal battle continues, tensions in Parliament are expected to remain high, with both sides digging in for what may be a prolonged conflict. Whether the Supreme Court’s final decision will bring an end to the impasse or deepen the divide remains to be seen. For now, the Minority’s bold move has made it clear that the fight for control in Parliament is far from over.
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