Ghana’s parliamentary Speaker, Alban Bagbin, has indefinitely suspended proceedings after chaotic scenes erupted over which party holds the majority in parliament. The disruption followed the discovery that four MPs had defected to run for different parties in the upcoming December 7 general election. The Speaker declared their seats vacant, citing the constitution’s prohibition on defections.
This decision, currently under legal challenge, shifts the parliamentary majority to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). President Nana Akufo-Addo’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) sought Supreme Court intervention to determine if the Speaker’s ruling was constitutional. The court directed Bagbin to pause his declaration until their ruling is issued, though no date has been set.
Tuesday’s parliamentary session, the first since the court’s directive, saw both NPP and NDC MPs attempting to claim majority seats, leading to heightened tensions. NPP MPs eventually walked out, avoiding direct conflict. NDC legislators responded by singing and marching around the chamber. Without the NPP present, the Speaker suspended proceedings, citing insufficient numbers to make decisions.
The suspension has serious implications, delaying approval for critical funding and laws, which could impact governance in the coming year. Ghana, known for its political stability, faces increased uncertainty as the election approaches, with the high cost of living a focal point for both NPP Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia and NDC’s John Mahama, the presidential candidates. President Akufo-Addo will step down after serving two terms.
