The Parliament of Ghana descended into chaos on Tuesday as Minority MPs staged a dramatic protest against the Speaker’s decision to declare the Kpandai constituency seat vacant, leading to a near-physical altercation that temporarily halted proceedings. Despite the uproar, the Majority successfully pushed through the approval of the 2026 Budget allocation reports.
Wearing black to signify mourning for what they termed “parliamentary democracy”, dozens of opposition lawmakers left their seats and rushed to the centre of the chamber, chanting and waving placards. This sudden movement drew the Majority MPs forward, transforming the floor into a scene of shouting and finger-pointing until parliamentary marshals intervened to separate the factions.
Earlier, Speaker Alban Bagbin had postponed his formal ruling on the legality of the vacancy declaration but instructed that the day’s agenda should continue following a voice vote. The Minority dismissed this ruling, escalating their demonstration and drowning out any attempts to proceed.
Amid the turmoil, members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) took advantage of the situation to read various committee reports on budget allocations for ministries, departments, and agencies. The Majority swiftly seconded the reports, leveraging their numbers to secure adoption via voice vote, even as opposition chants rang out.
The conflict stems from a December 4, 2025, letter from the Clerk of Parliament to the Electoral Commission, declaring the Kpandai seat vacant in response to a High Court ruling for a rerun election. Minority lawmakers argue that the matter is sub judice, as appeals are pending in higher courts, and accuse the Speaker of premature action.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga remained resolute amidst the disruption, asserting, “We will not be distracted,” and accusing the opposition of obstructing the House to prevent unfavourable rulings. In contrast, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh stated that no government business would proceed until the Kpandai issue is resolved, warning of sustained resistance.
After the adoption of the reports, Speaker Bagbin adjourned the session abruptly, leaving the budget approval in limbo before Wednesday’s meeting. First Deputy Minority Whip Habib Iddrisu later criticised the day’s events as shameful, asserting, “As far as we are concerned, no government business took place today,” and indicated that the Minority would reconsider their approach when Parliament reconvenes.
SOURCE: GRAPHIC ONLINE
