Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, has accused Speaker Alban Bagbin of favoring the National Democratic Congress (NDC) by declaring four parliamentary seats vacant. This move has shifted the balance of power in Parliament, with the NDC now holding the majority. The affected legislators include Peter Yaw Kwakye Ackah of Amenfi Central constituency (NDC), Andrew Amoakoh Asiamah of Fomena, Kojo Asante of Suhum (NPP), and Cynthia Morrison of Agona West constituency (NPP).

Afenyo-Markin criticized the Speaker’s decision, calling it biased and intended to benefit the NDC. “It is so clear that what the Speaker did was to give advantage to the NDC and do the bidding of the NDC,” he stated. In response, the Minority party staged a walkout and announced a boycott of parliamentary proceedings until the Supreme Court resolves the matter.

The Minority Leader also questioned the Speaker’s interpretation of the Constitution, arguing that the Speaker overstepped his authority. “We believe in the law… We will follow up the process at court, and if the court makes a pronouncement, we will respect the orders of the court,” Afenyo-Markin said.

This development highlights the tensions between the NDC and NPP, with the December elections looming. The Speaker’s decision has significant implications for Ghana’s parliamentary landscape, and the Supreme Court’s ruling will be closely watched.