The Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has dismissed suggestions of a potential showdown in Parliament when the House reconvenes on Tuesday, October 22.
He indicated that if tensions escalate, the majority side, made up of members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is prepared to simply walk out rather than engage in any confrontation.
This response comes after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) held a press conference on Sunday, asserting that they would take control of the Majority side in Parliament, following Speaker Alban Bagbin’s recent ruling declaring four parliamentary seats vacant.
The NDC has signalled their intention to occupy the Majority side of the chamber and take immediate action on several legislative matters, including amendments to the Communication Tax (e-levy) and appointing a new Second Deputy Speaker.
Speaking on Peace FM on Monday, October 21, the Effutu MP emphasized that the NPP is fully aware of the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the parliamentary impasse.
He noted that the NPP had already gone to the Supreme Court for an interpretation of the Speaker’s ruling, and the Court had issued a directive.
According to Afenyo-Markin, a bailiff from the Supreme Court is expected to serve Parliament with the Court’s orders on Monday.
The Majority Leader’s remarks aim to downplay the heightened expectations of a dramatic confrontation in the chamber.
“As far as we are concerned, the Supreme Court has issued a directive, and Parliament will be served. If the need arises, we will simply walk out,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
He further explained that the NPP is focused on adhering to the Court’s orders rather than engaging in political theatrics.
The looming session has generated significant public interest due to the Speaker’s controversial ruling, which left the NDC with 136 seats in Parliament, making them the majority, while the NPP holds 135.
The Speaker’s ruling and the subsequent Supreme Court’s intervention have created a constitutional debate about the balance of power in Parliament and the proper role of the judiciary in parliamentary matters.
Despite the tensions, Afenyo-Markin’s statement suggests that the NPP is aiming to avoid conflict by following the legal process.