Ghana’s Parliament Suspended Indefinitely

The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has suspended parliamentary proceedings indefinitely after chaotic scenes erupted in the chamber over a dispute concerning which party holds the majority. This turmoil follows the discovery that four Members of Parliament (MPs) had switched allegiances ahead of the upcoming December 7, 2024, general election, sparking a constitutional crisis.

Dispute Over Majority in Parliament

Last week, it was revealed that four MPs had decided to run for different parties or as independents, a move that Speaker Bagbin declared unconstitutional, citing Article 97 of the 1992 Ghana Constitution. He argued that MPs who switch political parties or declare their intent to run independently must vacate their seats, as the constitution does not allow for defections. As a result, Bagbin declared the seats of the four MPs vacant, a decision that immediately shifted the balance of power in the finely split Parliament.

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With the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) previously tied at 137 MPs each, the Speaker’s decision handed the majority to the NDC. However, the NPP quickly challenged the ruling in court, with the Supreme Court directing Bagbin to suspend his declaration pending a final decision. This has left the majority status in limbo, further fuelling tensions.

Chaos in Parliament

Tuesday’s parliamentary session was the first since the Supreme Court’s directive. Members from both the NPP and NDC attempted to claim seats reserved for the majority party, leading to confusion and chaos in the chamber. In an effort to avoid conflict, the NPP’s parliamentary leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, instructed his MPs to walk out of the session.

Following the walkout, NDC lawmakers broke into party songs and marched around the chamber, leading Speaker Bagbin to declare that there were not enough MPs present to conduct parliamentary business. He then suspended proceedings indefinitely, citing parliamentary rules that allow for such a suspension in times of crisis.

Legal Battle and Implications

The decision to suspend Parliament has far-reaching implications, as the government now cannot pass key legislation or approve critical funding. This paralysis could affect the country’s operations in the coming months, particularly as both the NPP and NDC prepare for the December elections. The legal battle over the vacant seats continues, with the Supreme Court expected to issue a ruling, but no timeline has been set.

The NPP had previously requested the Supreme Court to clarify whether the Speaker had correctly interpreted the constitution. The outcome of this case could determine whether the four MPs retain their seats, which would restore the balance of power in Parliament.

High Stakes Ahead of the December Election

The ongoing parliamentary dispute has significant implications for the December 7 general elections, in which Ghanaians will vote for a new president and all 275 members of Parliament. With President Nana Akufo-Addo stepping down after serving two terms, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia is the NPP’s presidential candidate, while former president John Mahama will run again for the NDC.

The high cost of living has emerged as a central issue in the upcoming elections, with both parties presenting it as a key campaign focus. Many Ghanaians are increasingly concerned that the political instability in Parliament could further exacerbate the country’s economic challenges.

The Four MPs at the Center of the Controversy

The four MPs whose defection caused this political standoff include:

• Cynthia Mamle Morrison (NPP – Agona West)
• Kwadjo Asante (NPP – Suhum)
• Peter Kwakye-Ackah (NDC – Amenfi Central)
• Andrew Amoako Asiamah (Independent MP for Fomena and Second Deputy Speaker, now contesting under the NPP)

These MPs’ decision to contest the upcoming elections as either independents or under a different party has been a focal point of the controversy. The ruling NPP has condemned the Speaker’s declaration as unconstitutional, while the NDC has welcomed it, leading to a deepening political crisis.

Looking Ahead

Ghana has long been regarded as one of Africa’s most stable democracies, with peaceful transitions of power and relatively close electoral results. However, the current turmoil in Parliament is raising concerns about potential instability in the lead-up to the December elections. The Supreme Court’s ruling on this issue could have a profound impact on Ghana’s political landscape and its democratic processes.

As both parties vie for control of Parliament and the presidency, Ghanaians are anxiously watching to see how the legal battles unfold and what implications this political gridlock will have for the nation’s governance and future.