In a dramatic turn of events in Ghana’s Parliament, ”Majority Leader” and Member of Parliament for Effutu in the Central Region, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has announced the NPP decision to boycott parliamentary sittings pending the outcome of a Supreme Court ruling.
This follows a declaration by Speaker Alban Bagbin that four parliamentary seats—three belonging to the NPP and one to the NDC—have been rendered vacant after the incumbent MPs filed to contest future elections as independent candidates.
The Speaker’s declaration has sent shockwaves through Parliament, particularly among the affected MPs and their respective parties.
According to Speaker Bagbin, the MPs, by filing to contest the next general election as independents, have forfeited their membership in their respective political parties, which automatically voids their parliamentary seats.
The decision has led to significant tension in the House, with members of both the Majority and Minority sides expressing varying degrees of opposition and concern over its implications.
NPP Boycotts Parliamentary Sittings
Reacting to the Speaker’s ruling, Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin, the NPP Leader, announced that the NPP would boycott all parliamentary sittings until the matter is resolved by the court.
“As our first step, because of the chaos he has created, we have boycotted parliamentary sittings.” He emphasized that the Majority group would not return to the chamber until a clear judicial determination had been made regarding the legality of the Speaker’s action.
The NPP Leader further indicated that the NPP has already initiated legal proceedings to challenge the Speaker’s declaration.
“Second, we are going to vigorously pursue our matter in court. We believe in the court, and we are going to pursue our matter in court. Until the court determines the matter… we will stay back and not participate in the chaos in the chamber created by Mr. Speaker.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin ”Majority Leader” and Member of Parliament for Effutu in the Central Region
Afenyo Markin’s comments underscored the NPP’s confidence in the judicial system to resolve the impasse. The party believes that the Supreme Court will clarify the constitutional provisions relating to the Speaker’s decision.
The Constitutional Debate: Article 97(1)(g)
“If the court decides that indeed per the provisions of Article 97(1)(g), if a person, upon being elected a member of parliament on a particular ticket and decides to contest future elections under another ticket, that person will lose that seat, so be it, we would abide by the rulings of the court.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin ”Majority Leader” and Member of Parliament for Effutu in the Central Region
This statement highlights the Majority group’s readiness to comply with any future court ruling but also emphasizes their position that due process must be observed before any seats are officially declared vacant.
Afenyo Markin also touched on the legal strategy the NPP intends to adopt moving forward. Nevertheless, the Majority Leader assured Ghanaians that his party’s legal team is exploring other legal avenues to rectify what they see as an unjust declaration.
“Meanwhile, we have become aware that the injuncting application has been overtaken by events. We are lawyers; we know what to do. And we will be fortified by the law to look for another process to ensure that the right things are done.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin ”Majority Leader” and Member of Parliament for Effutu in the Central Region
This indicated that the NPP remains undeterred in its quest to challenge the Speaker’s ruling and is confident in the strength of its legal arguments. The party will continue to explore all available legal avenues to ensure that the constitutionality of the Speaker’s decision is scrutinized.
Implications for Parliamentary Business
The NPP’s decision to boycott parliamentary sittings is expected to have significant consequences for the business of the House. With a section of the Majority group absent, it will be difficult for Parliament to form a quorum, thereby stalling important legislative work.
There are concerns that the boycott could lead to a prolonged standstill in parliamentary proceedings if the legal challenge is not resolved swiftly. Moreover, the absence of the NPP MPs could exacerbate tensions between the Majority and Minority factions, further complicating the functioning of Parliament.
Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin’s statement reflected the NPP’s strong opposition to the Speaker’s declaration of vacant seats.
The party’s decision to boycott sittings and pursue legal action signals a protracted political and legal battle that could have significant ramifications for Parliament’s operations. As the NPP seeks a resolution through the courts, all eyes will be on the Supreme Court to determine the fate of the MPs involved and the legality of the Speaker’s ruling.
The coming weeks are likely to be pivotal in shaping the future of parliamentary business in Ghana. For now, the NPP stands firm in its decision to boycott proceedings, leaving the ball in the court of the judiciary to determine the way forward.
Afenyo-Markin Criticizes NDC Conduct in Parliament
Afenyo-Markin further expressed deep discontent with what he described as an undemocratic and chaotic approach by the opposition.
Speaking during a parliamentary session, Afenyo-Markin lamented the conduct of the Speaker of Parliament and the NDC minority, accusing them of seeking to manipulate parliamentary proceedings and falsely claim a majority status.
Afenyo-Markin did not hold back in criticizing the Speaker of Parliament, alleging that he had acted in the interest of the NDC minority, despite their numerical disadvantage in the House. He emphasized; “We call upon the good people of Ghana to condemn the conduct of Mr. Speaker and the NDC minority.”
The Deputy Majority Leader accused the Speaker of attempting to blur the lines between the majority and minority status of both parties, even as he claimed the Speaker failed to fully declare the NDC as the majority.
“It was very rich to hear Dr. Forson immediately proclaiming to be a majority leader. In fact, Mr. Speaker himself, in spite of doing their bidding, fell short of declaring them to be the majority.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin ”Majority Leader” and Member of Parliament for Effutu in the Central Region
Afenyo-Markin’s frustration was apparent as he highlighted the contradiction in the Speaker’s actions, pointing out that despite siding with the NDC, the Speaker still addressed him as the Majority Leader and Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the NDC’s leader in Parliament, as the Minority Leader.
NDC’s Alleged “Mischief” and “Evil” in Parliament
Hon. Afenyo-Markin’s disapproval extended to the NDC’s broader conduct in Parliament, which he labeled as mischievous and malevolent.
“What they did was evil. What they did in parliament yesterday was evil. NDC does not believe in democracy. They believe in chaos.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin ”Majority Leader” and Member of Parliament for Effutu in the Central Region
He added that the NDC’s claim of holding a majority status, especially as expressed by the party’s flagbearer on the campaign platform, was fraudulent and manipulative.
“Immediately after, their flag bearer was on a campaign platform claiming that God had given them the majority status. Is that how God grants majority status on individuals who are full of mischief, vicious, and evil?”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin ”Majority Leader” and Member of Parliament for Effutu in the Central Region
He reiterated that the NDC’s actions were not merely political maneuvering but a deeper reflection of the party’s disregard for democratic norms and their penchant for creating chaos in the system.
NPP’s Commitment to the Rule of Law
Contrasting the NPP’s stance with that of the NDC, Hon. Afenyo-Markin reaffirmed the ruling party’s dedication to democracy, rule of law, and peaceful governance.
He emphasized that the NPP, unlike the NDC, respects legal processes and abides by the structures in place for resolving disputes.
He explained that the NPP’s decision to leave the parliamentary chamber was a demonstration of their respect for the law and their refusal to be dragged into chaotic behavior: He reiterated; “We in the NPP are democrat, we believe in the rule of law, and that is why we calmly left the chamber for them.”
He underscored that the NPP’s belief in the legal system would ultimately yield a resolution in their favor, as they intended to pursue their grievances through the court system.
“And we know that if we make our case well in court, the court will make a determination that would advance the cause of democracy.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin ”Majority Leader” and Member of Parliament for Effutu in the Central Region
Afenyo-Markin ended by expressing confidence in the judiciary, reaffirming that the NPP’s recourse to legal channels would protect the country’s democratic values and ensure that the proper balance of power in Parliament is maintained.
Hon. Afenyo-Markin offered a staunch defense of the New Patriotic Party’s commitment to democracy while simultaneously issuing a scathing critique of the National Democratic Congress. His remarks painted the NDC as a party that thrives on chaos and deception, contrasting that with the NPP’s law-abiding approach.
The Deputy Majority Leader’s rhetoric reflected the tense and polarized atmosphere in Ghana’s Parliament, where disputes over majority status have become a focal point of political contention.
READ ALSO; Blakk Rasta Expresses Worry Over How Songs Fizzle
