NPP and NDC MPs battle for a majority seat in Ghana's parliament

Parliamentary proceedings in Ghana took an unexpected turn on Tuesday, October 22, as Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) took their seats on the majority side of the House. This unusual seating arrangement followed Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of four vacant parliamentary seats on October 17, which has since ignited a fierce debate over which party holds the majority in the House.

In response to the unfolding situation, NPP MPs, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, opted to walk out of Parliament to avoid escalating tensions. The Effutu MP explained that their decision to leave was an effort to prevent any potential confrontation. “We have chosen the path of peace to maintain calm and avoid any chaos with our colleagues across the aisle,” Afenyo-Markin remarked, underscoring the NPP’s commitment to Ghana’s peace and stability. He added that they would retreat to their offices to await further directives from Speaker Bagbin.

While NPP MPs vacated the chamber, NDC MPs remained seated on the majority side, further intensifying the standoff between the two political parties. Outside Parliament, NPP supporters gathered, adding to the charged atmosphere surrounding the day’s events.

As the situation escalated, Speaker Alban Bagbin adjourned the sitting indefinitely, leaving the controversy over the vacant seats unresolved. The political impasse continues to raise questions about the majority status in Ghana’s Parliament, with both sides awaiting further developments.