A significant power shift has occurred in Ghana’s Parliament, with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) now holding the majority caucus position. This change follows Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of four parliamentary seats vacant on October 17, 2024.

The vacant seats include three from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) – Kojo Asante (Suhum), Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), and one from the NDC – Peter Yaw Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central), as well as Andrew Amoakoh Asiamah (Fomena), who was previously an independent MP supporting the NPP.

Affected Legislators:

– Peter Yaw Kwakye Ackah (NDC – Amenfi Central)
– Andrew Amoakoh Asiamah (Fomena)
– Kojo Asante (NPP – Suhum)
– Cynthia Morrison (NPP – Agona West)

The Speaker’s ruling was prompted by a petition filed by former NDC Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu. According to Bagbin, once the notice of polls confirmed the four MPs’ intention to run independently, they ceased to be part of the current Parliament.

New Parliamentary Balance:

– NDC: 136 seats
– NPP: 135 seats

This shift in power ends the hung parliament situation, where the NPP held a slight advantage with Andrew Amoako Asiamah’s support. The NDC now holds the majority, potentially impacting Ghana’s legislative landscape.