add content hereGhana’s parliament has shifted towards the main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), following the defection of four lawmakers. This political maneuver comes less than two months before the general elections scheduled for December 7.
The four defecting MPs include two from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), one from the NDC, and one independent member. They have expressed intentions to run in the upcoming legislative elections under new political affiliations.
However, Ghana’s constitution prohibits MPs from defecting from their elected parties to contest under different banners or as independents. Parliamentary Speaker Alban Bagbin declared four seats vacant on Thursday, granting the NDC a slim majority.
Bagbin emphasized that defection undermines public trust in MPs and can destabilize the parliament. The looming presidential vote will occur alongside the legislative election, with an intense contest expected between the NPP and the NDC.
This shift in power dynamics raises concerns over the passage of essential legislation. Critical issues include bills on nuclear energy, a World Bank loan agreement, and environmental protections against illegal gold mining.
In response to the declared vacancies, the NPP has filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court. NPP members, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, staged a walkout from parliament, pledging to boycott future sessions until the court resolves the matter.
Afenyo-Markin stated, “We will not participate in any further parliamentary sittings until these vexed matters are determined by the Supreme Court.”
Rasheed Draman, executive director of the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs, called for compromise and negotiation to avoid legislative paralysis. He warned that unresolved disputes could hinder crucial government business.
Ghana, with a population of 33 million, is often viewed as a beacon of democratic stability in a region facing ongoing challenges with coups and conflict.
