Majority in Parliament Denounces Speaker’s Decision to Vacate Four Seats as “Evil”

ACCRA: The Majority in Ghana's Parliament has strongly criticized Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin's decision to declare the seats of four Members of Parliament (MPs) vacant, calling the move "evil." This ruling has sparked significant controversy and debate within the legislative body, highlighting deep political divisions. According to Ghana News Agency, Speaker Bagbin announced on October 17 that the parliamentary seats for the constituencies of Amenfi Central, Fomena, Agona West, and Suhum were officially vacant. This decision came after a formal petition was filed by Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, a National Democratic Congress MP for Tamale South, raising concerns about the MPs' eligibility to remain in the House after filing to contest in upcoming elections under different party tickets. The petition led to intense discussions and arguments between the Majority and Minority factions in Parliament. Speaker Bagbin, referencing provisions in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and a precedent set by his predecessor P rof Aaron Michael Oquaye, ultimately ruled to vacate the four seats. In response, Mr. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, Leader of the Majority Caucus, expressed the Majority's discontent. Addressing the media in Parliament, he accused the Speaker of acting in favor of the NDC's interests and questioned the ruling's adherence to parliamentary traditions. He further announced that the Majority would boycott Parliament sessions until the Supreme Court reaches a conclusive verdict on the matter. Article 97(1)(g) of the Ghanaian Constitution stipulates that an MP must vacate their seat if they leave the party that elected them to join another party or choose to remain as an independent member.