In a dramatic parliamentary session yesterday, 17th October 2024, Minority Leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, issued a bold challenge that sent ripples through the political landscape. His assertion, invoking a matter of urgent public importance, questioned the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) claim to hold the majority in Parliament—a move that could potentially alter the balance of power in the legislature.
Citing Article 97(1)(g) & (h) of the Constitution, Forson urged the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, to enforce a prior decision by former Speaker Mike Oquaye, which declared the seats of four Members of Parliament vacant. These MPs—Hon. Peter Kwakye-Ackah (Amenfi Central), Hon. Andrew Amoako Asiamah (Fomena), Hon. Kwadjo Agyekum (Suhum), and Hon. Cynthia Mamle Morrison (Agona West)—have, according to Forson, relinquished their standing due to various circumstances.
Forson’s fiery delivery brought the house to a standstill as he passionately argued that the NPP no longer held the numbers it once did, and called for a formal recalibration of parliamentary dynamics. His words set off an immediate storm, as NPP leaders, led by Majority Leader Hon. Afenyo Markin, scrambled to defend their party’s majority status.
“Mr. Speaker, the then Speaker of Parliament, the Rt. Hon. Mike Oquaye, upheld the NPP’s position and took action to enforce Article 97(1)(g) of the Constitution, ruling that the NPP Member of Parliament for Fomena had vacated his seat by his decision and conduct, and hence ceased to be a member of Parliament.
“Mr. Speaker, this ruling was not contested and remains good and valid as a rule in this house. We, therefore, call on you to enforce the existing ruling of this house based on Article 97(1)(g). That decision applies to all four members of Parliament: Hon. Peter Kwakye-Ackah (Amenfi Central), Hon. Andrew Amoako Asiamah (Fomena), Hon. Kwadjo Agyekum (Suhum), and Hon. Cynthia Mamle Morrison (Agona West). On the basis of these facts, these persons have vacated their posts accordingly. Currently, we do not have an independent candidate in Parliament. The NPP now has 135 members of Parliament, having seen two of their members contesting as independent candidates, while the NDC has 136 members, having lost one member.
“Mr. Speaker, therefore, the NPP group cannot continue to hold themselves as the majority. Mr. Speaker, I so submit.”
This statement, aimed at shaking the core of parliamentary proceedings, sent a clear signal that the NDC was ready to challenge the very fabric of power within the chamber. However, the NPP was quick to fire back.
The session reached its climax when Speaker Bagbin spoke. Though he did not make an outright ruling on the NPP’s majority status, his words were laden with implication. Bagbin acknowledged the growing need to scrutinize the parliamentary numbers, hinting that the matter may soon come to a head.
Outside the chamber, speculation swirled. Could Forson’s call for a review shift the balance of power? If the seats of these four MPs are officially declared vacant, the NPP may face a devastating blow, leaving it vulnerable as the country heads toward the 2024 general elections.
With stakes higher than ever, Parliament finds itself at a crossroads. The drama unfolding within its walls mirrors the uncertainty gripping the nation. Ghanaians now wait with bated breath, as this potential power shift could profoundly affect the government’s ability to pass critical legislation and steer national policy in the lead-up to a fiercely contested election.
As the dust settles on this charged session, all eyes will turn to Speaker Bagbin, whose anticipated rulings in the coming days could reshape the future of Ghana’s governance. The battle for control of Parliament is far from over, and with every seat and every vote now under a microscope, the political theatre has just begun.
