Parliament is set to reconvene today, Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC). The session follows a prolonged standoff between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucuses over the designation of the Majority in Parliament.
The deadlock was sparked by Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin’s declaration of four parliamentary seats — Fomena, Amenfi Central, Suhum, and Agona West — as vacant. The decision drew strong objections from the NPP Caucus, which argued that it undermined their representation and disrupted the balance of power in the House.
Supreme Court Intervention
Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin challenged the Speaker’s ruling at the Supreme Court, questioning the Speaker’s authority to declare the seats vacant. The Court’s subsequent decision to issue a stay on Speaker Bagbin’s ruling has added another layer of complexity to the already tense parliamentary atmosphere.
Escalation of the Impasse
The situation escalated further when members of the NDC Caucus symbolically occupied the Majority side of the chamber following the Speaker’s declaration. This move prompted Speaker Bagbin to adjourn the House indefinitely, leaving legislative business stalled.
Calls for Resolution
Amid the chaos, the Majority Caucus has pushed for a swift resolution to the crisis. They argue that Parliament must resume its legislative work to address pressing national issues that have remained in limbo due to the impasse.
Today’s session is expected to be contentious, with both sides seeking clarity on the Majority status and a resolution to the disagreements over the vacant seats. All eyes will be on the Speaker and the leadership of Parliament as they navigate this politically charged session.
