As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs vacated the floor Tuesday morning, members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) erupted in applause and jeers, marking a dramatic change in the course of events in Parliament.
With the NDC caucus asserting majority status, the session began with a boisterous mood. It comes after Alban Bagbin’s announcement last week that there were four vacancies in the parliament sent conflicting signals to the Supreme Court and the Speaker.
While the fourth MP is a member of the NDC, the other three are NPP members.
The Supreme Court, for its part, halted the Speaker’s “ruling” from being implemented. Both sides are essentially claiming to be the majority.
Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, suspended Parliament indefinitely during Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
Before suspending Parliamentary business processes, Speaker Bagbin stated that while the House had enough members to have a quorum, it lacked the necessary numbers to make decisions in accordance with the House’s Standing Orders.
Due to the New Patriotic Party members of Parliament boycotting the meeting over the controversy surrounding the formation of the Majority Caucus, the House lacked the necessary numbers to make decisions.
The Speaker cited the Supreme Court’s order to revoke his designation of four House seats vacant which rendered members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Majority Caucus, illegal.
After adjourning the House indefinitely, Bagbin made no indication that he would follow the court’s ruling.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com