The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, has officially declared four parliamentary seats vacant, marking a significant shift in Ghana’s political landscape.
This decision means that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has now assumed the role of the majority party in Parliament, which will allow them to appoint a Second Deputy Speaker and designate a Majority Leader.
The declaration follows a petition by former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, invoking Article 97(1)(g) of the Constitution.
This article stipulates that a Member of Parliament must vacate their seat if they leave the party under which they were elected or if they seek to serve as an independent candidate.
The affected MPs are:
- Cynthia Morrison (NPP, Agona West) – now an independent candidate.
- Kwadwo Asante (NPP, Suhum) – also running as an independent candidate.
- Andrew Asiamah Amoako (Independent, Fomena) – has filed to contest as an NPP candidate.
- Peter Kwakye-Ackah (NDC, Amenfi Central) – now contesting as an independent candidate.
During parliamentary sitting yesterday, octo, Speaker Bagbin stated, “Honourable members, it is important to point out that the speaker is called upon by the standing orders of parliament particularly order 18 to inform the house of the occurrence of a vacancy of the seat of a member under clause (1) b to e, g and h of article 97 of the constitution.”
He went on to declare, “Accordingly, I will proceed to inform the house that by the notification of the polls, the following MPs are by their actions vacated their seats in parliament.”
However, this ruling has sparked controversy. Following Bagbin’s declaration, the Supreme Court of Ghana intervened by staying the ruling, instructing Parliament to officially recognize the four MPs and allow them to continue representing their constituents pending further legal review.
The NPP is determined to retain their position as the majority caucus in Parliament. During a press conference held by the Majority Caucus, the Majority Leader Afenyo Markin expressed his displeasure in the Speaker’s ruling, stating that his ruling is very autocraric.
Afenyo Markin also reminded the Speaker of his neutrality in parliamentary sessions and his greater responsibility, as his duties transcends his political affiliation.
