Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Bagbin has declared four parliamentary seats vacant, just two months before Ghana’s December elections. This ruling affects Peter Yaw Kwakye Ackah of Amenfi Central constituency (NDC), Andrew Amoakoh Asiamah of Fomena, Kojo Asante of Suhum in the Eastern Region (NPP), and Cynthia Morrison of Agona West constituency (NPP).
The decision follows a petition by National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament Haruna Iddrisu. The petition targeted three NPP MPs and one NDC MP, citing Article 97 (1)(g) of the Constitution, which requires MPs to vacate their seats if they leave their original party or attempt to go independent.
This development maintains the governing New Patriotic Party’s slight majority, supported by Independent MP Andrew Amoako Asiamah. The opposition NDC sought to capitalize on potential seat vacancies to shift the balance of power.
Speaker Bagbin’s ruling came after extensive discussions and arguments from both the Majority and Minority sides. During a heated parliamentary debate, Bagbin acknowledged the gravity of the matter and requested additional time to deliver a well-reasoned ruling.
The vacant seats may impact voting dynamics in December’s elections, highlighting intensified rivalry between the NPP and NDC.