The ongoing displays in Parliament by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucuses on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, have generated numerous talking points across various social media platforms.
From the NDC MPs occupying the Majority seats to hooting the NPP MPs away from the chambers after their press conference, as well as chanting patriotic songs and marching on the floor of Parliament following the exit of the NPP MPs, Ghanaians have expressed mixed reactions to these recent developments.
There are currently rumours of an anticipated ‘showdown’ in Parliament over which caucus will occupy the Majority and Minority seats as the country awaits the arrival of the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to address the House.
In reaction to the developments following the walkout by the NPP MPs, many Ghanaians have described the events, particularly the marching of the NDC MPs on the floor, as shameful and disgraceful.
According to various opinions, the MPs are old enough to avoid such childish displays in Parliament.
Others have found the unfolding events to be amusing, noting the dramatic nature of the situation.
Background
The Supreme Court of Ghana on October 18, 2024, stayed the ruling of Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, regarding the vacation of some four seats.
This occurred as the highest court in the land, led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, considered an application from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament.
The decision by the apex court effectively suspends the implementation of the Speaker’s ruling on October 17, 2024, pending further legal review and final determination.
Bagbin had granted a motion by Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to declare some four seats vacant, making the NDC the party with the majority members in Parliament.
Delivering his ruling, the Speaker noted that the decision by the affected MPs to contest in the December 7, 2024, election as independents or on the ticket of a party different from the party on whose ticket they currently serve contravened Article 97 (g) and (h) of the 1992 Constitution.
He noted that the motive and operational effect of Article 97(g) and (h) was to cure the issues of cross carpeting and defection as witnessed in parliaments of old.
He stated that the intent of Article 97 (g) (i) was to ensure party loyalty throughout an MP’s tenure in Parliament.
He emphasised that the affected MPs, by their decision and the Notice of Polls issued by the Electoral Commission for the December 7, 2024, parliamentary elections, have vacated their seats.
The affected seats and their MPs included Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Amoako Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central).
The NDC is upholding the Speaker’s ruling, while the NPP is supporting the Supreme Court’s decision. With heightened anticipation, it remains unclear how the Speaker will respond to this development.
Read the reactions below:
Watch the video of NDC MPs marching below:
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
