Tensions are escalating in Ghana’s Parliament following a contentious decision by Speaker Alban Sumana Bagbin to officially declare four parliamentary seats vacant. This comes with less than two months to go before the December general elections, sparking a fresh wave of political unrest in the already divided house.
The ruling shifts the balance in Ghana’s previously hung parliament, where the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held a narrow edge over the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) due to the support of Independent MP Andrew Amoako Asiamah. With the declaration of these seats vacant, the NDC now holds 136 seats in Parliament, while the NPP is reduced to 135.
This reshuffling is critical, as the NPP previously commanded 138 seats against the NDC’s 137. The NDC now stands to gain a crucial advantage in Parliament, shifting the dynamics just ahead of the national elections.
The matter has been brought before the Supreme Court, with the NPP challenging Speaker Bagbin’s decision. Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo presided over a recent hearing, directing the Speaker and the Attorney General to file their statements of case within seven days. Additionally, a joint memorandum of issues is expected to be filed shortly after, which will expedite the resolution of this politically charged issue.
With both parties now preparing for what could be a defining moment for the country’s political future, Ghanaians are watching closely as the December election nears. The decision from the courts is highly anticipated, as it will have far-reaching implications for the makeup of Ghana’s next parliament and the broader political landscape.
Speaker Bagbin’s move has sparked intense debate within the chamber, with both the Majority and Minority sides trading accusations and concerns over the legality and timing of the declaration. The coming days will determine the trajectory of this high-stakes political battle.
