Confusion Over Majority Status Leaves Minority Side Vacant
In a rare turn of events, Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) sat on the majority side of Parliament today, leaving the minority side completely empty. The unusual scene reflects ongoing confusion over which party holds the majority after Speaker Alban Bagbin declared four parliamentary seats vacant on October 17.
Deputy Whip Blocks NDC Leader from Majority Leader’s Seat
Kwaku Asante of JoyNews reports that NPP Deputy Whip, Habib Iddrisu, occupied the Majority Leader’s seat, preventing the NDC Caucus Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, from sitting there. In a quick response, the NDC MPs moved the Minority Leader’s distinctive black chair from their side to the majority side, ensuring Dr. Forson could still take his place.
Power Play with Black Chairs
Traditionally, all MPs sit on brown chairs, but the leaders of both the majority and minority sit on black ones. By occupying the black chair designated for the Majority Leader, Frank Annoh-Dompreh symbolically asserted the NPP’s claim to the majority position. Unfazed, the NDC matched the move by placing their leader’s chair next to it on the majority side.
Cordial Atmosphere Amidst Tension
Despite the ongoing struggle over leadership, Kwaku Asante notes that MPs from both sides were seen conversing and sharing smiles, indicating that the atmosphere in the chamber remained friendly despite the political tension.
Speaker’s Declaration and Supreme Court Intervention
The drama comes in the wake of Speaker Bagbin’s declaration that four seats—three held by the NPP and one by the NDC—were vacant, changing the balance of power. With the NDC holding 136 seats and the NPP 135, the NDC swiftly claimed the majority status. However, on October 18, the Supreme Court stayed Speaker Bagbin’s ruling, allowing the four affected MPs to retain their seats until a final court decision is made.
NDC Refuses to Relinquish Majority Claim
Despite the Supreme Court’s intervention, the NDC insists it remains the majority party, arguing that the judiciary cannot interfere with Parliament’s internal affairs, given its independence. This unfolding drama leaves both political observers and citizens watching closely for the next twist in Ghana’s parliamentary saga.
Story By: Baffour/Pinkfmonlinegh.com