Professor Ransford Gyampo, a Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, has called on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus to return to Parliament and work collaboratively with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus for the greater good of the nation.
His comments come in the wake of Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare the parliamentary seats of four MPs vacant, following a motion filed by former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu.
The motion cited constitutional provisions requiring MPs who run as independent candidates or switch party affiliations to vacate their seats.
The affected MPs include Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central).
This ruling has significantly shifted the balance of power in Parliament, potentially allowing the NDC-led Minority caucus to outnumber the NPP-led Majority caucus.
In an interview with Joy FM on Friday, Prof. Gyampo noted that the NPP, which previously misinterpreted the law in a similar situation in 2020, should now accept this outcome calmly.
He emphasized that the party must refrain from reacting with excessive emotion and instead focus on what is best for the country.
“The NPP misapplied and misinterpreted the law in 2020, today the same has happened and it goes against them. I think they should just lick their wounds and not be overly emotional,” he stated.
He emphasised the importance of the NPP caucus returning to Parliament to work with the NDC caucus to ensure the passage of bills and other legislative business crucial for the country’s progress.
“Go back to Parliament and see how best they can work with the NDC Caucus to ensure that the bills and other businesses that were outlined are done for the betterment and interest of mother Ghana. So staying at home and boycotting parliamentary sitting in my view is not the best thing to do,” Prof Gyampo advised.