Ghana’s parliament has been indefinitely adjourned following a legal dispute over Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant. This move effectively halts all legislative activities just two months before the upcoming general elections, raising concerns about the potential delay of crucial bills and budget approvals.
Known for its political stability in a volatile region, Ghana’s parliament has not been without drama. In 2021, its inauguration saw military intervention after a brawl broke out among members. Tuesday’s adjournment followed a standoff between the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), which now holds a slim majority after the defection of four lawmakers.
The dispute centers around Ghana’s constitutional rule that prohibits MPs from switching parties after being elected. The speaker declared four seats vacant, including two from the NPP, one from the NDC, and one from an independent MP. This sparked a walkout by NPP members who disagreed with the speaker’s ruling.
Citing parliamentary regulations, Speaker Bagbin stated, “We don’t have at least half of all members of parliament present,” which prompted his decision to adjourn the House indefinitely. The NPP has since challenged the legality of this move in the Supreme Court.
NPP leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who led his party’s walkout, defended their actions, stating that they aimed to avoid physical confrontations with the opposition, who had taken over their seats in protest. “The NPP will always rely on the courts to correct wrongs,” he remarked, adding that the party would not let the NDC “create chaos and disturb the peace of the country.”
Rasheed Draman, executive director of the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs, warned that this indefinite adjournment could disrupt essential government operations. “This situation could paralyze government business, especially with important bills like the World Bank loan agreement and next year’s mini-budget still on the table,” he noted, urging both parties to find common ground and prevent a legislative deadlock.
The adjournment comes at a critical time, with Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary elections just weeks away, scheduled for December 7.
