Ghana’s parliament has been adjourned indefinitely for the second time in as many weeks following the absence of lawmakers from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) during a crucial session on Thursday. The adjournment has raised concerns over the country’s ability to pass vital government business, including the approval of the national budget, as it nears a high-stakes presidential election in December.
The absence of NPP members effectively stalled key government processes, including budgetary approvals necessary to ensure the timely payment of public sector workers before the elections. This delay in essential financial matters comes at a precarious time, with the December 7 elections fast approaching and the country grappling with the aftermath of a severe financial crisis. Observers warn that the continued paralysis in parliament could disrupt public services and further fuel dissatisfaction among voters.
At the heart of the political deadlock is a decision made by Speaker Alban Bagbin in October to declare four parliamentary seats vacant. The Speaker argued that the MPs in question had violated the constitution by changing political parties, an action which temporarily shifted the balance of power in parliament, giving the opposition a slim majority. However, last week, Ghana’s Supreme Court overturned this decision, ruling that declaring the seats vacant would disenfranchise a significant portion of the electorate ahead of the crucial elections.
In a statement to parliament on Thursday, Speaker Bagbin confirmed that the chamber lacked a quorum due to the absence of NPP members, who had failed to attend despite an emergency recall request. The only lawmakers present were from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), which occupies the majority of the chamber as a result of the disputed seat vacancies. “We have a quorum to sit, but we have no business before us to transact,” Bagbin explained, adding that the sitting was once again adjourned indefinitely.
The NPP’s absence has fueled frustration within the opposition ranks, with NDC parliamentary leader Cassiel Ato Forson accusing the ruling party of using political tactics to stall parliamentary proceedings. Forson described the ongoing situation as a “waste of time” and an “abuse of the constitution and the standing orders of Ghana’s parliament,” emphasizing that the opposition had turned out in full force, only to find that no urgent business could be conducted.
Meanwhile, outgoing NPP majority leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has been vocal in his criticism of Bagbin’s handling of the situation, urging the Speaker to reverse his decision in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling. Afenyo-Markin contended that the Speaker was “supervising confusion” in parliament and warned that this was damaging the country’s democratic integrity. He added that the NPP would not participate in the “chaos theatre” that the opposition appeared to be waiting for.
The prolonged suspension of parliament has raised significant concerns about Ghana’s economic stability. With the country still recovering from a fiscal crisis, the failure to pass the budget could severely impact public sector operations, leaving vital services in jeopardy. Economic analysts have stressed the importance of passing the budget promptly to maintain fiscal stability and ensure that government programs run smoothly in the months leading up to the elections.
As Ghana faces its most important election in years, the parliamentary deadlock has underscored the growing political and economic uncertainties that could destabilize one of West Africa’s most well-regarded democracies. The ongoing political crisis, coupled with the country’s economic challenges, leaves the nation at a critical juncture, with both political leaders and the electorate eagerly awaiting resolution before the December elections.
