Alban Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, has adjourned the House indefinitely due to vacant seats controversy.
This decision was made in a House dominated by National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs on the Majority side of the aisle.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament had walked out earlier owing to a disagreement with the opposition, which had seized their seats after claiming to be the majority.
During the brief proceedings, the Speaker agreed with Francis-Xavier Sosu that the record should be altered to show that the NPP group walked out on Thursday as the minority.
Leading the NPP MPs out of the chamber earlier, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, MP for Effutu, stated that they were withdrawing to their offices to await instructions from Speaker Alban Sumana Bagbin on the next steps.
According to Afenyo-Markin, they chose the way of peace rather than confronting their opponents to avert disruption, stressing that Ghana is a peaceful country that should remain thus.
“We didn’t cause a scene here. We discreetly exited, telling Mr. Speaker that the best place to air such issues would be in court. So we expect our NDC minority brothers and sisters to take the necessary steps. But it will be up to Mr. Speaker to make the final decision. The nation looks up to Mr. Speaker; with all of his political experience, it is an important time for him to add weight to what we have done to keep the peace.”
Hours later, the Speaker entered the House and began proceedings.
Alban Bagbin informed the House that they had enough numbers to conduct business but not enough to make decisions.
After examining the Madina MP’s request for a record correction from Thursday, the Speaker publicly stated his decision moving forward.
He also stated that he has had a court process issued on him as Speaker regarding the pronouncement on four MPs.
“We do not have at least half of all parliamentarians present. Consequently, in view of the current circumstances, the fact that there is a question on the composition and constitution of Parliament, and having regard to the public interest and the exigencies of the state of affairs in Parliament, I will proceed to adjourn the House indefinitely in accordance with Standing Orders 59.”