KEY POINTS
- NDC claims a majority in Parliament despite legal challenges.
- Supreme Court ruling reinstates four MPs amid the dispute.
- Dr. Forson pledges to protect the NDC’s majority status.
Despite a Supreme Court decision that halted a Speaker of Parliament order, the National Democratic Congress has reiterated its intention to hold onto its recently announced majority status in Parliament.
Supreme Court stays Speaker’s order on parliamentary seats
On Thursday, October 17, Speaker Alban Bagbin announced the vacancy of four parliamentary seats, sparking the leadership contest in the House.
The New Patriotic Party holds three of the impacted seats, while the NDC holds one. Because of this, the NDC, which was formerly the minority party, now holds 136 seats, while the NPP only holds 135 seats. But on Friday, October 18, the Supreme Court ruled that Bagbin’s proclamation should be stayed, directing Parliament to permit the four Members of Parliament to carry out their duties and represent their constituents until the substantive issue is decided.
According to a report by MyJoyOnline, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the leader of the NDC caucus, has promised that the party will not give up its recently asserted stance. Based on parliamentary standing procedures, the NDC currently forms the majority caucus, Forson stressed during a press conference on Sunday, October 20.
“We will not bow, retreat, or give up our legitimately earned position, and we will fiercely defend our new majority status,” Forson declared. “We will not, under any circumstances, neglect our duty to the people.”
Dr. Forson warns against external interference in Parliament
Forson went on to say that outside attempts to sabotage legislative processes are unlawful and will not be accepted. “This position will not be altered in the slightest,” he said.
He went on to say that the NDC is prepared to oppose any meddling in parliamentary affairs, describing such activities as “unlawful and unacceptable.”
After Speaker Bagbin’s contentious decision, the Supreme Court’s decision represents a significant turning point in the ongoing battle for control of Parliament. The NPP contested the decision, with its officials questioning if Bagbin’s actions were lawful.
Additionally, Forson restated that the NDC’s representation in Parliament is intended to advance the interests of common Ghanaians. He declared, “We have never concealed the fact that we are in Parliament for the average Ghanaian.”
Speaker Bagbin’s reaction to the Supreme Court decision is eagerly awaited when Parliament reconvenes on Tuesday, October 22.
