GHANA’S parliament descended into chaos as Speaker Alban Bagbin suspended proceedings indefinitely following a heated dispute over which party holds the majority in the chamber. The suspension has left critical governance issues hanging, with implications for the upcoming December general election 7.
Defections and a shifting majority
Last week, four Members of Parliament (MPs) announced they had switched allegiances and would run under different political parties in the election. In response, Speaker Bagbin declared their seats vacant, citing Ghana’s constitution, which prohibits sitting MPs from defecting. His decision, which shifts the majority in favour of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), is being challenged in court.
‘The constitution is very clear on this matter,’ Bagbin stated. ‘Any member who crosses the floor, so to speak, must vacate their seat. This is a matter of principle, not party politics.’
The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), led by President Nana Akufo-Addo, responded swiftly, filing a case with the Supreme Court to review the Speaker’s ruling. ‘We believe that the Speaker has overstepped his authority in this matter,’ said NPP parliamentary leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. ‘The interpretation of the constitution is not a matter to be decided unilaterally by the Speaker.’
The Supreme Court intervened, advising Speaker Bagbin to hold off on implementing his decision until the court has ruled on the matter. However, Tuesday’s parliamentary session, the first since the court’s directive, turned chaotic.
Parliamentary showdown
As MPs from both the NPP and NDC attempted to claim the seats reserved for the majority party, tensions flared. NPP legislators eventually walked out of the chamber to avoid conflict, following instructions from Afenyo-Markin. ‘We had to leave,’ he explained. ‘Remaining would have only escalated the situation. Our priority was to avoid a physical confrontation.’
In contrast, NDC MPs, buoyed by their newfound majority status, began singing party songs and marching around the chamber. ‘We’ve taken our rightful place as the majority in parliament,’ said NDC MP Haruna Iddrisu. ‘This is a democratic process, and the Speaker’s ruling reflects that. We cannot let the NPP bully us into submission.’
With no NPP MPs present, Speaker Bagbin was left with little choice but to suspend parliamentary proceedings indefinitely. ‘There are not enough members present to make any decisions,’ Bagbin said as he adjourned the session. ‘Until this issue is resolved, we cannot proceed.’
Implications for governance and stability
The suspension of parliament has significant ramifications, particularly with the general election just weeks away. Without parliamentary approval, key laws and funding decisions are now on hold, potentially stalling governance at a crucial time. The uncertainty is further compounded by the high cost of living, a pressing campaign issue for both major parties.
‘We are very concerned about the impact this could have on the economy,’ said political analyst Kwesi Anin. ‘If the government cannot pass a budget or approve essential funding, it could create significant instability in the coming months.’
The NPP and NDC, both holding 137 seats after the 2020 elections, are locked in a tight contest ahead of December’s vote. Akufo-Addo’s second and final term is ending, with Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia standing for the NPP, while former President John Mahama represents the NDC.
Many Ghanaians are worried about the growing political tension. ‘We need parliament to be functioning, especially with the economic difficulties we’re facing,’ said Accra resident Adwoa Mensah. ‘The cost of food and fuel is skyrocketing, and we can’t afford more delays.’
Broader impact on democracy
Ghana, often seen as one of Africa’s most stable democracies, is now at a crossroads. The current impasse raises questions about how constitutional disputes and political manoeuvring can destabilise a system renowned for its balance.
‘If this crisis drags on, it could damage Ghana’s democratic credentials,’ warned Dr. Kojo Asante, a political scientist. ‘The longer parliament remains paralysed, the greater the risk of public discontent spilling over, especially with elections around the corner.’
The Supreme Court’s ruling, whenever it comes, will have major implications for Ghana’s political future. For now, the suspension of parliament signals an unsettling period of uncertainty for both the country’s governance and its economy.
