We still consider ourselves Majority – Ayariga insists
The Minority caucus in Parliament has asserted that they now hold the majority following Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to adjourn the House indefinitely on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. This adjournment came after a heated session where Speaker Bagbin noted that there were not enough MPs present to continue with the parliamentary business.
The root of the tension lies in Speaker Bagbin’s earlier declaration that four parliamentary seats were vacant. This decision was based on a motion by Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who invoked constitutional provisions concerning MPs who had either switched parties or opted to run as independents. The affected constituencies include Fomena, Suhum, Agona West, and Amenfi Central.
Despite the Supreme Court’s stay of execution on Bagbin’s ruling, which prevents the immediate vacation of these seats, the Minority caucus maintains that the Speaker’s decision alters the balance of power in their favor. They now view themselves as the majority in the House, a position reinforced by Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku Central, during an interview with Channel One TV. Ayariga emphasized that unless the Speaker reverses his ruling, the NDC MPs will continue to see themselves as the majority.
The Speaker’s decision and the subsequent adjournment have led the Minority to return to their constituencies, awaiting further developments. Ayariga dismissed concerns that the adjournment would negatively impact government operations, criticizing the government’s handling of the economy and downplaying the importance of any urgent business during this period.
Earlier in the day, tensions were high in Parliament, with a heavy security presence, and the Majority MPs walked out, leaving the Minority to claim their majority status.