The Minority in Parliament has signaled its intention to challenge the majority status of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) when the House reconvenes.
This move comes in response to the decision of the Independent Member of Parliament (MP) for Fomena and Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, to file as an NPP candidate for the upcoming December 7 parliamentary elections.
The second deputy speaker’s decision to contest under the NPP’s banner could have significant constitutional implications, particularly regarding his role as Second Deputy Speaker. According to Article 96 of Ghana’s Constitution, both the First and Second Deputy Speakers must come from different political parties.
His shift to the NPP would violate this provision and could lead to the loss of his status as Deputy Speaker.
The article states:
- There shall be two Deputy Speakers of Parliament:
- (a) who shall be elected by the members of Parliament from among the members of Parliament; and
- (b) both of whom shall not be members of the same political party.
The members of Parliament shall elect a person to the office of Deputy Speaker when Parliament first meets after a dissolution of Parliament, and if the office becomes vacant otherwise than by reason of a dissolution of Parliament, at the first sitting of Parliament after the office becomes vacant.
Article 97 (1) (g) of the 1992 Constitution states that anMP shall vacate his seat “if he leaves the party of which he was a member at the time of his election to Parliament to join another party or seeks to remain in Parliament as an independent member.
Article 97 (1) (h) also stipulates that a Member of Parliament must vacate his seat “if he was elected a Member of Parliament as an independent candidate and joins a political party.
Asiamah’s decision is not the only issue threatening the NPP’s majority hold. Several sitting NPP MPs, including Cynthia Morrison of Agona West and Oboafo Kwadjo Asante of Suhum, have filed to contest the elections as independent candidates, further complicating the NPP’s parliamentary strength.
speaking to Ibrahim Alhassan in parliament, Member of Parliament for Pru East, Dr. Kwabena Donkor, revealed that the Minority intends to use Parliament’s standing orders to claim the majority when MPs return from recess in October.
Dr. Donkor emphasized that the loss of majority status could significantly affect the government’s ability to push through controversial bills and policies in the legislature.
“This development will mean that the Nana Addo administration cannot push any controversial business through Parliament when we reconvene,” Dr. Donkor stated, hinting at potential gridlock as the NPP faces internal challenges in maintaining its parliamentary majority.
With these new dynamics in play, the upcoming parliamentary session is expected to be contentious, as the Minority looks to capitalize on the shifting allegiances within the Majority Caucus.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
