Ghana’s parliamentary dynamics have undergone a significant transformation following Speaker Alban Bagbin’s recent declaration that four parliamentary seats are vacant.
This decision has tipped the balance of power, turning the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from a minority into the apparent majority, a shift that could disrupt key legislative processes and alter the course of governance.
Bagbin’s Ruling and Its Aftermath
On Thursday, October 17, Speaker Bagbin ruled that four MPs—Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Amoako Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central)—had vacated their seats after declaring their intent to contest the 2024 elections as independent candidates.
This decision gave the NDC control of 136 seats compared to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 135, effectively shifting the majority.
The ruling sparked a legal challenge from Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who filed a case in the Supreme Court seeking clarity on the status of these MPs.
In response, the Supreme Court issued a stay of execution on the Speaker’s ruling, halting the vacancy declaration and creating further uncertainty.
Indefinite Adjournment Amid Tensions
Following the Supreme Court’s intervention, Speaker Bagbin announced an indefinite adjournment of Parliament, citing insufficient numbers to conduct business. The adjournment came after heated clashes between NPP and NDC MPs over which party held the majority in the House.
The adjournment delays several urgent parliamentary matters, including the approval of Supreme Court judges and key bills.
Historical Context of Cross-Carpeting in Parliament
The situation is reminiscent of past incidents where MPs have switched allegiances, leading to similar declarations of vacant seats. Notably, during Speaker Peter Ala Adjetey’s tenure, the NDC’s Abraham Kofi Asante crossed to the NPP, prompting then Minority Leader Alban Bagbin to raise the issue, leading to Asante’s removal and a by-election.
In 2005, Speaker Ebenezer Sekyi-Hughes faced a similar situation when Professor Alhassan Wayo Seini switched from the NDC to the NPP, culminating in a by-election after Bagbin insisted on the need for one. A recent case involving Andrew Amoako Asiamah, whose prior departure from the NPP to run as an independent raised similar questions.
The ramifications of this parliamentary power shift are extensive, with several critical concerns emerging:
Key Implications of the Power Shift
Parliamentary Seating and Committees: With the NDC claiming majority status, the party may now occupy the right-hand side of the Speaker and assume control of critical parliamentary committees. This could allow the NDC to shape policy direction and increase oversight of the government, shifting the legislative balance in their favor.
Mini-Budget Disruption: The scheduled November mini-budget presentation faces potential delays if the NPP continues to boycott parliamentary sessions. Without a timely budget reading, public sector financing and economic strategies could face significant setbacks, impacting national development.
Legislative Instruments and Regulations: Key legislative instruments pending in Parliament, including mining regulations, corporate insolvency reforms, and parole provisions, could be affected. The NDC might choose to block or modify these regulations, impacting sectors such as mining and energy.
Supreme Court Appointments: The NDC’s new majority could impede the appointments of Justice Sophia Bernasko Essah and Professor Richard Frimpong Oppong to the Supreme Court. The party’s historical resistance to President Akufo-Addo’s judicial appointments suggests these nominations could face delays or be blocked.
Stalled Key Bills: Several important bills, including the Free SHS Bill, Social Protection Bill, and Environmental Protection Bills, are at risk of stalling due to the NPP’s boycott. However, the NDC could prioritize advancing these bills, reshaping policy areas like education and social welfare.
Conclusion
The declaration of four vacant parliamentary seats has led to a seismic shift in Ghana’s Parliament, with far-reaching implications for legislative processes and governance.
Speaker Bagbin’s indefinite adjournment amid rising tensions highlights the uncertainty that looms over future parliamentary activities.
In the coming weeks, efforts to foster dialogue between the NPP and NDC will be crucial in navigating this complex political landscape and ensuring Parliament can resume its critical functions.
8th Parliament risks being the worst in Ghana’s history – Ursula warns
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