By: Ashiadey Dotse
Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has strongly stated that the Majority group will never sit in the Minority seats in Parliament. His comments came after a Supreme Court decision paused Speaker Alban Bagbin’s announcement that four parliamentary seats were vacant.
On Monday, November 11, Afenyo-Markin made this statement after the Supreme Court said it would rule on the seat dispute on Tuesday, November 12. This issue has created high tension, with the Majority and Minority groups sharply divided.
The dispute began when Speaker Bagbin declared the seats of four MPs—Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Andrew Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central)—vacant, claiming they had broken constitutional rules. However, Afenyo-Markin and other Majority members argue that the Speaker acted beyond his authority, as no court decision or by-election process was started.
Speaking to the media, Afenyo-Markin urged the Speaker to follow parliamentary rules and asked him to ensure that the Minority members return the seats they took from the Majority.
According to Afenyo-Markin, the Speaker’s actions created an issue that needs to be resolved according to the Constitution. He mentioned that the council of state had discussed the matter with the Speaker, who had assured them the Minority would move back to their seats. Afenyo-Markin made it clear he would not occupy a Minority seat, saying it would not be appropriate, especially so close to the elections.
His comments followed a situation where some Minority MPs occupied seats meant for the Majority. This led to a standoff, with the Minority asking the Majority to come to Parliament to discuss the situation.
Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the Speaker should ensure the Minority returns to their seats, stressing that the matter must be handled correctly to maintain Parliament’s integrity. As the Supreme Court’s decision nears, the country is closely watching, as the outcome could significantly impact parliamentary procedures and power dynamics between the Speaker, Majority, and Minority.
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