Tensions Rise as Both NDC and NPP MPs Occupy Majority Side in Parliament

In a dramatic turn that has never been seen in Ghana’s Parliament, both NDC and NPP MPs were occupying the majority side, while the minority side had none. This move comes amidst unending confusion over which party holds the majority after Speaker Alban Bagbin declared four parliamentary seats vacant on 17th October.

NPP Caucus Deputy Whip, Habib Iddrisu sat in the Majority Leader’s seat, forcing an immediate reaction from the NDC. At the cue, the NDC moved the black chair of the Minority Leader to the majority side to allow their leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to take his seat. By convention, both the majority and minority leaders sit on black chairs while the other MPs sit on brown seats.

READ ALSO: Why Opposition wants to Become Majority in Parliament

According to JoyNews’ Kwaku Asante, the atmosphere in Parliament was friendly despite the brewing leadership crisis, with MPs from both sides chatting and smiling. This tension mounted after Speaker Bagbin declared seats vacant, giving the NDC the numerical superiority of 136 to 135 against the NPP.

However, the Supreme Court intervened on October 18 to allow the four MPs to retain their seats until a final verdict is delivered. Regardless of the supervisory decision by the court, the NDC maintains its majority argument on the basis that Parliament, being an independent arm of government, should not be subject to the discretion of the judiciary.

Source: Xtrememediaonline.com