Ghana’s parliamentary session descended into chaos, prompting Speaker Alban Bagbin to indefinitely suspend proceedings following a heated dispute over which party holds the majority.
This comes after four MPs defected ahead of the upcoming 7 December general election, leaving the balance of power uncertain. Speaker Bagbin declared their seats vacant, a move now being challenged in court.
With both the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) laying claim to the majority, tensions escalated as lawmakers from both sides attempted to take the majority party’s seats during the first sitting since the court’s directive. In an effort to avoid confrontation, NPP MPs walked out, leaving the NDC to sing party songs and march through the chamber. Without enough MPs present to pass decisions, Bagbin suspended the session.
This suspension holds serious implications, delaying crucial government approvals for funding and legislation, which may affect Ghana’s governance in the coming year.
The political turmoil adds to the uncertainty surrounding Ghana’s elections, with a struggling economy and high cost of living taking center stage in both parties’ campaigns.