Ghana’s parliament suspended after chaotic scenes
The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament has indefinitely suspended proceedings following chaotic scenes in the chamber stemming from a dispute over which party holds the parliamentary majority.
Last week, it was revealed that four MPs had switched their allegiance to different parties ahead of the general election scheduled for December 7.
Speaker Alban Bagbin declared their seats vacant, arguing that the constitution prohibits MPs from defecting.
In a tightly contested parliament, this decision—currently being challenged in court—means the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has assumed the majority.
Last Friday, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), led by President Nana Akufo-Addo, petitioned the Supreme Court to determine whether the Speaker had correctly interpreted the constitution.
The judges instructed the Speaker to suspend his declaration until they reach a verdict, but it remains unclear when their ruling will be issued.
Tuesday marked the first parliamentary session since the Supreme Court’s directive, during which MPs from both the NPP and NDC attempted to occupy the seats designated for the majority party.
To prevent any potential conflict, the NPP leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, eventually directed his MPs to walk out.
The NDC lawmakers then started singing party songs and marching around the chamber.
The Speaker said that without the NPP legislators present there were not enough MPs to make decisions, which is when he suspended proceedings indefinitely.
The suspension has significant implications as it means the government cannot get approval for important funding and laws, which could affect how the country is run over the coming year.
Ghana has a reputation for being one of the most stable democracies in Africa – but the outcomes of its parliamentary and presidential votes tend to be very close.
After general elections in 2020, both the NPP and the NDC each had 137 MPs – with the NPP becoming the majority party after gaining the support of a legislator who had stood as an independent candidate.
It was discovered that four MPs had switched allegiances only when the roll of candidates running for parliament was issued ahead of December’s vote.
Many Ghanaians are worried about the impact of this political turmoil, especially on the economy.
The high cost of living is a key campaign issue for both parties and their presidential candidates, who are current Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia for the NPP and the NDC’s John Mahama.
Akufo-Addo will be standing down as president having served two terms in office.
