Speaker of Parliament Halts Proceedings Amid Majority Dispute

ACCRA: Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has indefinitely adjourned parliamentary proceedings following a contentious struggle between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucuses over which party holds the majority in the House. The adjournment comes amid ongoing tensions and a Supreme Court ruling affecting the membership status of four parliamentarians. According to Ghana News Agency, the dispute erupted before Speaker Bagbin's entrance into the Chamber, as both the NDC and NPP parliamentary caucuses attempted to occupy the majority side of the Chamber. This conflict stems from the Speaker's declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant, citing breaches of Article 97(1)(g) and (h) of the 1992 Constitution. The vacancies involve MPs who changed their political affiliations or sought to run as independents, including Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah of Amenfi Central and Andrews Amoako Asiamah of Fomena, among others. The Speaker's decision to adjourn follows a Supreme Court ruling issued on October 18, which directed the reinstatement of the affected MPs pending further legal proceedings. Despite the court's directive, the NPP caucus, led by Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, withdrew from the Chamber to await further instructions, while the NDC caucus, led by Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, occupied the majority side. Speaker Bagbin, in his formal communication to the House, cited constitutional provisions and parliamentary standing orders which dictate quorum requirements for conducting business. He noted that while the current number of MPs allowed the House to transact business, it was insufficient for decision-making. Consequently, invoking Standing Orders 59, he announced the indefinite adjournment, citing public interest and the current state of affairs in Parliament. The Speaker emphasized that the decision was made after consulting with parliamentary leadership and was necessitated by the unresolved issues surrounding the composition and constitution of Parliament. The ind efinite suspension of the House underscores the ongoing uncertainty and the complex legal and political dynamics at play.