NDC Turning Parliament Into ‘Lawless Theatre’ -Afenyo-Markin

The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has slammed the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for turning Parliament into a “lawless theatre.”

He however assured the public that the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), which is committed to democracy and the rule of law will not allow the main opposition party to destroy the legislative arm of government with its lawlessness.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin stated these after the NDC Members of Parliament (MPs) yesterday insisted they were still the majority caucus in Parliament even though the Supreme Court put on hold, the ruling of Speaker Alban Bagbin that declared seats of four MPs vacant, surreptitiously giving them the so-called majority.

Speaking to journalists before leading his side to walk out of Parliament, Mr. Afenyo-Markin who is also the MP for Effutu further accused the NDC of seeking to disrupt the country’s democratic process, reiterating that the governing party would not provide the opposition party with the platform to do so.

“We are leaving this chamber peacefully into our offices, awaiting Mr. Speaker’s arrival.

“If he calls leadership and we do pre-sitting discussions, we will take it up from there, but for now, that lawless theatre, we will not share with them because Ghana, our country, is bigger than any one individual.

“The country is hereby informed that we will not give that lawless platform that NDC is seeking.

“We will not give them that theatre. They are so aggressively seeking to disrupt democracy and to destroy our nation,” Mr Afenyo-Markin stated, reaffirming the party’s decision to handle matters calmly.

Supreme Court ruling

On Friday, October 18, 2024, Ghana’s Supreme Court temporarily overturned Speaker Bagbin’s ruling that had barred four MPs from representing their constituents after declaring their seats vacant.

The apex court, accordingly, directed Parliament to recognize and allow the four affected MPs namely Andrew Amoako Asiama, Independent MP for Fomena and 2nd Deputy Speaker; Cynthia Mamle Morrison, NPP MP for Agona West; Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah, NDC MP for Wassa Amenfi East; and Kwadjo Asante, NPP MP for Suhum, to perform their duties.

The decision followed the granting of an ex-parte application filed by the Majority Leader, Mr. Afenyo-Markin, praying to the Court to stay the execution of Bagbin’s ruling.

NDC snubs Supreme Court

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, the Minority Caucus led by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on Sunday, October 20, 2024, declared the NDC’s readiness to protect their “new majority status.”

According to him, the Speaker’s ruling shifted the balance of power, giving the NDC Caucus a slight advantage with 136 MPs compared to the NPP’s 135.

Ordinary Ghanaians

Majority Leader Afenyo-Markin expressed concern for ordinary Ghanaians, who he said, are the true victims of political turmoil.

“We know there are innocent people out there, innocent Ghanaians going about their business, innocent Ghanaians in academia, innocent Ghanaians who are struggling to get three square meals on the table for their families. We care about them,” he added.

While acknowledging that politics is inherently contentious, Mr. Afenyo-Markin stressed the importance of civility.

“We understand that there is politics, but we must do it in a civil manner. We believe that the appropriate thing is to quietly yield to them and wait upon Mr. Speaker. After all, the ruling was directed at Parliament and the Speaker, not an individual,” he emphasised.

Security majority via elections

Mr. Afenyo-Markin advised the NDC to persuade Ghanaians to vote for them if they believe they have the electoral appeal to win the Majority.

“That’s how we secured the Majority benches in 2017 and 2021. That how it’s done elsewhere, not through threats or intimidations. The path to the Majority bench is not carved through brute force or ‘patapaa’ in the hope that the seats on the Speaker’s right will be surrendered,” he noted.

Speaker adjourns parliament indefinitely

Meanwhile, in a dramatic turn of events, Speaker Bagbin has adjourned Parliament indefinitely.

In the absence of the majority NPP, Mr. Bagbin announced that the House did not have sufficient numbers to take decisions.

He further explained that Article 104 (1) stipulates, “Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution, matters in Parliament shall be determined by the votes of the majority of members present and voting, with at least half of all the Members of Parliament present.

“Honourable members, we don’t have at least half of all the Members of Parliament present.

“Consequently, in view of the current circumstances, the fact that there is a question on the composition and constitution of Parliament and having regard to the public interest and the exigencies of the state of affairs in Parliament… I have consulted leadership, and I am exercising my discretion to decide to suspend the meeting of the House indefinitely.”

Mr. Bagbin’s decision followed chaotic scenes as the NDC MPs move to occupy the seats of the NPP Majority Caucus.

Parliament had earlier announced new measures aimed at tightening security within the premises of the House ahead of what was anticipated to be a “clash” or “showdown” between the Majority and Minority Caucuses.