Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has adjourned sitting indefinitely due to the ongoing controversy surrounding vacant seats in the House. The decision comes after a dramatic turn of events that saw National Democratic Congress (NDC) legislators occupy the Majority side of the aisle, prompting the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament to stage a walkout.

Leading the NPP MPs out of the chamber, Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding chaos. “We didn’t cause commotion here. We left quietly and told Mr. Speaker that the right place to express those grievances would be in court,” Afenyo-Markin stated.

Upon resuming proceedings, Speaker Bagbin agreed to correct the record to reflect the NPP as the Minority, as requested by Madina MP Francis-Xavier Sosu. However, citing Standing Orders 59, Bagbin acknowledged the insufficient number of members present to make decisions and adjourned the House indefinitely.

The controversy stems from the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, which issued a stay of execution on Speaker Bagbin’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant. The Court instructed Parliament to recognize and allow the four MPs to fully represent their constituencies and carry out their official duties until a final ruling is made.

Background

The application to stay the Speaker’s decision was filed ex parte by NPP MPs, seeking the Court’s intervention to halt the enforcement of the ruling. The Supreme Court panel, presided over by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, delivered the ruling, which will remain in effect until the final judgment.

The indefinite adjournment of Parliament raises concerns about the legislative body’s ability to conduct business and make critical decisions. The controversy highlights the deepening rift between the NPP and NDC, with potential implications for Ghana’s political stability.