No showdown on Tuesday, we’ll walk out if the need be – Afenyo-Markin

Reacting to a press conference by members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Sunday, Leader of NPP Caucus in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin stated that, from the perspective of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), they have sought an interpretation from the Supreme Court, which has issued a directive. He noted that a bailiff from the Supreme Court is expected to serve Parliament on Monday morning as agreed. He added that if the NDC chooses to act differently when Parliament reconvenes on Tuesday, the NPP will simply walk out.

Markin made these comments during a radio interview on Accra’s Peace FM on October 21, 2024, as monitored by African Editors. His remarks come amid public speculation about potential tensions on Tuesday, particularly as the NDC has indicated plans to switch seats to the Majority side following a ruling from the Speaker last Thursday. They also intend to begin amending laws, including abolishing the Communication Tax (e-levy), and appoint a new Second Deputy Speaker.

The Supreme Court recently intervened to halt the Speaker’s decision that declared the seats of four MPs vacant. In a ruling made on October 18, a five-member panel led by Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo determined that declaring the seats vacant infringed on the rights of the MPs’ constituents. As a result, the MPs have been reinstated, and the court has ordered Parliament to file its case and issues within seven days.

This decision followed an ex parte application from the NPP, led by Afenyo Markin, arguing that the Speaker’s declaration was premature and legally unsound. The court granted a 10-day stay on the Speaker’s ruling, pending further hearings.

The Speaker’s decision stemmed from allegations that the four MPs had changed their political affiliations by filing to contest the upcoming elections under different party tickets. The ruling was based on Article 97 of the 1992 Constitution, which states that MPs who leave their party or contest under a different party lose their seats. This has prompted protests from the Majority Caucus.

Meanwhile, the NDC has asserted that its parliamentary proceedings “shall not” be questioned in any court. At a news conference in Accra, NDC leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson affirmed the caucus’s commitment to protecting its newly acquired Majority status, stating that they will not waver in their responsibilities to the people, regardless of the circumstances.