Parliament has been adjourned indefinitely by Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, amidst a heated controversy surrounding four vacant parliamentary seats.
The decision was made during a brief proceeding, where the Speaker acknowledged that although there were enough members present to conduct business, it was insufficient to make decisive decisions.
Background of the Controversy
The Supreme Court intervened on October 18, issuing a stay of execution on Speaker Bagbin’s ruling that declared four parliamentary seats vacant.
This directive instructs Parliament to recognize and allow the four MPs to represent their constituencies and perform official duties until the Supreme Court delivers its final ruling.
NPP MPs Walkout
Prior to the adjournment, NPP MPs, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, walked out of the chamber, citing controversy with the opposition, who had occupied their seats.
The Effutu MP emphasized their choice of peace over confrontation to avoid chaos.
“We didn’t cause commotion here. We left quietly and told Mr. Speaker that the right place to express those grievances would be in court.”
Speaker’s Decision
After considering Francis-Xavier Sosu’s request to correct the record from Thursday, the Speaker formally communicated his position going forward.
The correction acknowledged that the NPP group was the Minority when they walked out.
Implications
The indefinite adjournment and Supreme Court’s intervention have significant implications for Ghana’s parliamentary landscape, particularly with just 46 days to the December elections.
This also means the controversy over the Majority status is unresolved.
