By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament (MP), led by its Leader, Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, have hinted that they will embark on an indefinite boycott of parliamentary proceedings until the country’s apex court rules in a case they have filed.
The decision by the NPP MPs follows Rt. Hon. Speaker’s declaration of four seats vacant.
The Speaker’s ruling stems from a decision by MPs Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central) to contest the upcoming 2024 elections as independent candidates, while Andrew Asiamah (Fomena), an independent MP, has decided to contest on the ticket of the NPP.
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin’s ruling, based on constitutional provisions, holds that by declaring their independent candidacies or cross-carpeting to other political parties, the MPs have effectively vacated their parliamentary positions.
This development has shifted the balance of power in Parliament, with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) now holding 136 seats compared to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 135, making the NDC the majority caucus.
A visibly disappointed, dejected, and dissatisfied Afenyo-Markin led the NPP MPs in a walkout, expressing frustration over Speaker Bagbin’s decision.
He told the press in parliament that his side will not come or participate in any parliamentary proceedings until the Supreme Court gives a ruling on the case.
