Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has asserted that the Majority caucus will never occupy seats designated for the Minority in Parliament, following a crucial Supreme Court ruling that stayed Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant.
Speaking on Monday, November 11, Afenyo-Markin made this statement in response to the Supreme Court’s announcement that it will deliver its judgment on the disputed matter on Tuesday, November 12.
The case has sparked significant political tension, creating a divide between the Majority and Minority caucuses.
The conflict centers on Speaker Bagbin’s declaration that four parliamentary seats are vacant, a decision he made due to alleged violations of constitutional requirements by the MPs in question—Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Andrew Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central).
Afenyo-Markin and other Majority members argue that the Speaker overstepped his constitutional authority by making this declaration without judicial review or the initiation of by-elections.
In a press conference, Afenyo-Markin called on Speaker Bagbin to uphold parliamentary procedures and urged him to instruct the Minority caucus to vacate the seats they are currently occupying and return them to the Majority MPs.
“The Council of State reached out to me again, stating they spoke to Mr. Speaker, who acknowledged that he has not made a ruling and assured them that the NDC would move to their own seats. If Mr. Speaker decides not to comply, what should I do? Should I sit in the minority seat? That is not right. I refuse to occupy a seat that does not belong to me,” he stated.
Afenyo-Markin emphasized that it would be inappropriate for him or any NPP member to sit on the minority side, particularly with elections approaching.
“The Speaker must do what is right and ensure that the Minority takes their rightful seats,” he added, stressing the importance of resolving the situation appropriately to maintain the integrity of Parliament.
As the country awaits the Supreme Court’s final judgment, all eyes are on the evolving legal and political landscape, with the outcome poised to significantly impact parliamentary procedures and the balance of power among the Speaker, Majority, and Minority parties.
