NPP MPs Walk Out of Parliament Amidst Majority Dispute 

The political landscape in Ghana has been shaken as New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament staged a walkout, awaiting a crucial directive from Speaker Alban Bagbin. This action follows a heated standoff between the NPP and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) over who holds the majority in Parliament.

The tension escalated after Speaker Bagbin declared four parliamentary seats—Fomena, Amenfi Central, Suhum, and Agona West—vacant on October 17, citing Article 97(1)(g) of the 1992 Constitution. This decision was based on concerns that the MPs from these constituencies had expressed intentions to contest as independents or switch party affiliations, prompting questions about their continued occupancy in Parliament.

The NDC quickly claimed the majority in Parliament with 136 seats, surpassing the NPP’s 135 seats. However, the situation took a new twist when the Supreme Court intervened on October 18, staying the Speaker’s ruling and allowing the affected MPs to continue performing their duties until a final decision is made.

As Parliament reconvened on October 22, NDC MPs, led by Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson, occupied the majority side of the chamber. NPP MPs, however, contested this move, maintaining that the Supreme Court’s decision legitimized their continued control of the majority. The deadlock resulted in a dramatic walkout by the NPP, led by their Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh.

With both parties holding firm positions, all eyes are now on Speaker Bagbin, whose next directive could have significant implications on the balance of power in Parliament and Ghana’s political future ahead of the 2024 elections. Until a resolution is reached, the NPP MPs have vowed to stay out of the chamber, leaving the House in a state of uncertainty.