Former Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor has encouraged Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Bagbin to show strong leadership amid the continuing impasse in Parliament over majority seating arrangements.
Kufuor expressed unhappiness with the situation, calling it an “embarrassing” standoff that could jeopardize Bagbin’s otherwise stellar career.
The standoff derives from the Supreme Court’s recent decision to postpone Bagbin’s previous verdict declaring four parliamentary seats vacant. Members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) disagree with Bagbin’s verdict, but the National Democratic Congress (NDC) upholds it.
Prez Kufuor Advices Bagbin on Parliamentary standoff
Bagbin’s verdict effectively shifted the balance of power in the House in favor of the NDC, which now has the majority of legislators.
Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, NDC MPs continue to claim their ‘new-found majority’ position in the house, taking seats previously reserved for the NPP majority.
In reaction, Members of Parliament from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, have abstained from entering the chamber to avoid potential physical confrontations.
Their absence has effectively halted proceedings and heightened the tension around the majority-minority discussion.
In an interview with Asempa FM, Kufuor underlined Speaker Bagbin’s responsibility in resolving the standoff and urged him to promote House stability and decorum.
He warned that the current scenario could harm Bagbin’s reputation and weaken his contributions to Ghana’s political environment if not addressed.
“I shall implore the Speaker of Parliament to step up and demonstrate leadership. The current situation in parliament is embarrassing. “It can potentially destroy his illustrious record,” he stated.