NPP Parliamentary Caucus to Boycott Parliament Over Speaker’s Ruling

ACCRA: The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Caucus has announced its decision to boycott parliamentary sessions until the Supreme Court reviews the Speaker's ruling that declared four parliamentary seats vacant. This decision follows Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin's declaration, which has led to significant political tension. According to Ghana News Agency, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, revealed the boycott during a press briefing. The Speaker's ruling, which was announced on October 17, cited breaches of Article 97(1)(g) and (h) of the 1992 Constitution, leading to the declaration of the seats in Amenfi Central, Fomena, Agona West, and Suhum Constituencies as vacant. Article 97(1) stipulates that a member of Parliament must vacate their seat if they leave the party they were a member of at the time of their election to join another party or seek to remain as an independent member. It also applies if an independent candida te joins a political party. The affected Members of Parliament include Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah of Amenfi Central, who was elected under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) but has filed to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming 2024 elections. Similarly, Andrews Amoako Asiamah, the Independent MP for Fomena and Second Deputy Speaker, has filed to contest under the NPP. Kwadjo Asante of Suhum and Cynthia Mamle Morrison of Agona West, both elected under the NPP, have also filed to run as independent candidates. The Speaker's ruling was in response to a significant parliamentary and constitutional issue brought forth on October 15 by Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Minority Leader and NDC MP for Ajumako/Enyan/Essiam, as per Order 93 of the Standing Orders of Parliament. Afenyo-Markin has expressed strong disagreement with the ruling, alleging collusion between the Speaker and the NDC Minority to create discord in the House. He accused the Speaker of avoiding a writ and acting in favor of the N DC, asserting that the Majority Caucus would boycott Parliament until the Supreme Court resolves the issue. The Majority Leader emphasized that the Speaker does not have the authority to interpret the Constitution and accused him of giving an advantage to the NDC. He stated that the Caucus would adhere to the court's decision once it is made, as they believe the matter requires constitutional interpretation.