In an interview on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, on Monday, October 21, 2024, addressed the tensions surrounding the ruling by the Speaker of Parliament, which declared four parliamentary seats vacant due to the decisions by affected Members of Parliament to switch parties or contest the December 2024 elections as independent candidates.
Mr Afenyo-Markin asserted that these manoeuvres reflect the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) growing anxiety regarding its electoral prospects.
He pointed to various polls and research available to both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the NDC, indicating that the NPP is poised to secure an overwhelming majority in Parliament come December 2024. Consequently, he contended that these political gimmicks are attempts to undermine the NPP, sow discord among Ghanaians, and distract the electorate ahead of the general elections.
Citing relevant legislation, particularly Articles 97 and 99, Mr Afenyo-Markin clarified that only the High Court possesses jurisdiction over declaring seats vacant and emphasised that matters of constitutional interpretation fall outside Parliament’s purview.
He reiterated that only the courts—not the Speaker—have the authority to interpret the Constitution.
Notably, the Speaker himself acknowledged that such matters lie solely with the judiciary and that his ruling was merely an opinion. Indeed, despite his ruling, the Speaker consistently referred to Afenyo-Markin as the Majority Leader and the NDC caucus as the minority.
“The Speaker’s ruling, despite his recognition of the court’s jurisdiction, raised serious questions about the integrity of his decision-making.
Having been informed of the matter before the courts and having assured the majority that he would not rush his decision, the Speaker nonetheless proceeded with his ruling.” Afenyo-Markin argued that this behaviour lends credence to allegations of collusion between the Speaker and the minority*.
He also emphasised the NPP’s commitment to complying with the Court’s decision, stating that the majority has too much respect for themselves, Ghana, and democracy to engage in political squabbles over who constitutes the true majority in Parliament.
Instead, they are dedicated to seeking clarity through the judicial system, which has already issued a stay of execution on the Speaker’s ruling.
He highlighted one of the Supreme Court’s key observations: that the affected MPs had not been given an opportunity to defend themselves, an essential aspect of fair hearing that should not be overlooked.
Expressing confidence that the Court’s ruling would validate the NPP’s position and reinforce the rule of law, Mr Afenyo-Markin reiterated that the NPP would not fall into the NDC’s trap for chaos.
He urged party members and supporters to remain vigilant against any attempts by the NDC to provoke unrest or distract them from their anticipated overwhelming electoral victory.
