Ghana’s parliament suspended after chaotic scenes

Oct 22, 2024 Story by: Editor

Ghana’s parliament has been suspended indefinitely by Speaker Alban Bagbin amid escalating tensions over which party holds the majority in the chamber. The discord erupted after it was revealed that four Members of Parliament had changed their party affiliations ahead of the upcoming December 7 general election, prompting a clash between the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speaker Bagbin declared the seats of the defected MPs vacant, citing the constitution’s stance against party-switching for sitting members, a move that tilted the balance in favor of the NDC, effectively making it the majority party. This decision, however, is contested and currently under review by the Supreme Court, following a petition from the NPP, who questioned the Speaker’s interpretation of the constitution. The Court instructed the Speaker to hold off on implementing the declaration until a ruling is issued, though no date for this judgment has been set.

On Tuesday, during the first parliamentary session since the Court’s directive, MPs from both the NPP and NDC vied for the majority party seats, leading to tense standoffs. NPP parliamentary leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin eventually instructed his party members to walk out to avoid further confrontation. In their absence, NDC MPs rallied, singing party songs and marching through the chamber. Speaker Bagbin then announced that without sufficient MPs from both sides, parliamentary proceedings could not continue, leading him to suspend the session indefinitely.

The suspension has far-reaching consequences, as it halts critical government approvals for funding and legislation that may impact the nation’s operations in the coming year. Ghana, known for its stable democratic governance in Africa, has often seen close outcomes in both parliamentary and presidential elections. Following the 2020 elections, the NPP and NDC each held 137 seats, with the NPP attaining majority status through the support of an independent MP.

This political upheaval, coupled with Ghana’s current economic challenges and high living costs, has caused significant concern among Ghanaians. Both the NPP’s Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia and the NDC’s John Mahama have made economic issues a central theme in their campaigns for the upcoming election, as President Nana Akufo-Addo prepares to step down after two terms. Source: BBC