In a dramatic turn of events, members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) broke into a mix of boos and jubilant cheers as New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs exited Parliament on Tuesday morning.
The lively atmosphere preceded the day’s parliamentary session, with the NDC caucus claiming majority status, intensifying the ongoing political drama. This shift follows a series of conflicting signals from both the Speaker of Parliament and the Supreme Court regarding vacant seats in the House.
Last week, Speaker Alban Bagbin announced that four parliamentary seats had become vacant—three held by NPP MPs and one by an NDC member. However, the Supreme Court issued a stay of execution on the Speaker's declaration, allowing the affected MPs to retain their seats and participate in parliamentary activities until a final ruling on the matter is made.
This development sparked a leadership crisis in Parliament, disrupting the balance of power. With the NDC now holding 136 seats and the NPP 135, the NDC claims it has taken over the Majority position. The shift has led to confusion, with both parties vying for control in the House.
Tensions reached new heights on October 22, as both sides insisted they were the Majority. The NDC MPs determined not to relinquish their newly claimed status, argued that the Supreme Court lacked the authority to interfere in the internal affairs of Parliament, an independent institution governed by its own rules.
The situation escalated further when NPP MPs walked out of the chamber after NDC members occupied seats typically reserved for them. Leading the NPP group, Alexander Afenyo-Markin explained that their decision to exit was a peaceful one, intended to avoid confrontation and preserve order.
He added that they would await further directives from the Speaker, Alban Bagbin, before deciding their next steps.
Meanwhile, supporters of the governing NPP thronged Parliament House, adding to the charged atmosphere.
JoyNews' Parliamentary Correspondent, Kwaku Asante, reported that over 10 Sprinter buses arrived, unloading hundreds of enthusiastic party supporters clad in NPP apparel and paraphernalia.
Adomoline's Joseph Odotei was in Parliament and captured these photos.
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