Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has announced an indefinite boycott of parliamentary proceedings following Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration that four parliamentary seats are now vacant.
This decision was made after the Speaker ruled that the four Members of Parliament (MPs)—Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central)—had vacated their seats by filing to contest the 2024 general elections as independent candidates or under the ticket of another party.
Bagbin’s ruling has significantly altered the balance of power in Parliament, leaving the National Democratic Congress (NDC) with 136 seats, while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) now holds 135 seats, effectively making the NDC the majority.
Following the ruling, Afenyo-Markin led a walkout from the parliamentary chamber, expressing dissatisfaction with the Speaker’s decision.
Addressing journalists in Parliament on Thursday, Afenyo-Markin accused Bagbin of acting in favour of the NDC, alleging that the Speaker had avoided the “service of the writ to do the bidding of the NDC.”
He added that despite these concerns, the NPP remains committed to upholding the law and following legal processes.
This boycott is expected to escalate political tensions in Parliament, as the Majority Leader emphasized the party’s intent to resist what they perceive as unfair and politically motivated actions.
“We as the Majority caucus immediately are boycotting parliament until this matter is determined by the Supreme Court. The speaker has no right to interpret the constitution, and it is so clear that what he did was to give an advantage to the NDC and do the bidding of the NDC.
“We are not going further to litigate. We have a process at the court, we will follow it up. If the court makes a pronouncement we will respect the orders of the court.”
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