Parliament: NDC MPs cccupy Majority side, awaiting arrival of NPP caucus
Parliamentary Session Stirs Tensions as NDC Occupies Majority Seats Amid NPP Absence
Accra, Ghana — November 7, 2024 — When Parliament reconvened on Thursday morning at the Accra International Conference Centre, the absence of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament set a tense tone for the session. By 8:30 a.m., only Members of Parliament from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were present, taking seats typically occupied by the majority caucus—a position currently held by the NPP.
This unusual scene raised questions and frustrations among NDC MPs, who perceived the NPP’s absence as a lack of commitment to critical legislative business. Speaking out on the issue, Joseph Bukari, MP for Saboba, expressed disappointment, pointing to the NPP’s absence as evidence of a disregard for parliamentary duties. “The governing side are not serious, and we are here to do business,” Bukari said. “They triggered the provisions for the Speaker to recall us, so we thought they would be here to engage with us.”
Bukari further criticized the NPP’s absence as disrespectful to both parliamentary procedures and their constituents. According to parliamentary norms, MPs are expected to be seated before the Speaker’s arrival at 10 a.m., with any delays potentially affecting critical proceedings and legislative timelines.
The session was convened by Speaker Alban Bagbin to address outstanding issues, such as budget allocations and pending legislative reforms, both of which have faced delays amid recent parliamentary tensions. This early standoff underscored the ongoing political struggle between the two parties, with NDC MPs framing their prompt attendance as a commitment to national duty and governance.
NDC representatives emphasized that their presence signals a dedication to addressing national priorities. Conversely, the NPP’s delayed arrival has fueled concerns about effective governance, with the opposition warning that such delays only add to the existing friction within the House.
The NPP has yet to provide a formal explanation for their absence. As Parliament proceeds, this incident highlights not only the friction between Ghana’s leading political parties but also the importance of cohesion and commitment to ensure the timely resolution of national issues.
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