The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has given a firm assurance that there will be no military deployment in Parliament as the House sits for business on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. This statement comes amid rising political tensions and concerns over the possible involvement of the military in the upcoming parliamentary session.
Concerns were sparked by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which raised alarms over a possible military presence in Parliament, claiming that soldiers might be sent to the precinct. This claim comes in the context of a broader political tussle between the NDC and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) over which party holds the majority status in Parliament.
Political Tensions Amid Majority Status Dispute
Tensions between the NDC and NPP have escalated following the Speaker of Parliament's declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant. Among the vacant seats is one on the NDC side, two on the NPP side, and the seat of the independent MP for Fomena, who intends to contest on the NPP ticket in the December 7 election. This situation has left the NDC with 136 seats, granting them the majority in the House, while the NPP holds 135 seats.
However, just a day after the declaration, the Supreme Court stayed the Speaker's ruling, temporarily halting the process and maintaining the status quo. This legal development has intensified the political uncertainty surrounding the parliamentary majority and fueled speculation about potential conflict during the upcoming session.
NDC's Concerns Over Military Deployment
Amid this uncertainty, the NDC Chief Whip, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has voiced concerns over the possible deployment of military personnel to Parliament. He warned that his caucus would resist any such move, citing a similar incident in 2021 when military forces were deployed during the inauguration of the 8th Parliament. During that event, some Members of Parliament (MPs) claimed they were assaulted by the military.
Speaking at a press conference, Agbodza claimed that the government had convened a meeting to arrange for military deployment on Tuesday, warning that such an action could provoke a strong reaction from the public.
“We are aware that between yesterday and today, some element of government has had the meeting again to deploy the military to the precinct of Parliament to enter the tent. We are aware of that,” Agbodza said. He cautioned that the government’s remaining time in office is limited and that it will be held accountable for its actions both now and in the past.
Majority Leader's Assurance
In response to the NDC’s claims, Afenyo-Markin refuted the allegations, calling them unfounded and urging the public to disregard them. In an interview with Peace FM, the Majority Leader categorically denied that any military personnel would be present in Parliament, emphasizing that soldiers have no role to play in the legislative process.
"There cannot be any military presence at Parliament. What is the soldier going to do there? That is part of the NDC's propaganda. What business has a soldier got to do at Parliament House? Is the soldier going to protect me or who?" Afenyo-Markin stated.
He further assured Ghanaians that there would be no chaos during the session, stating, "I lead my side of the House, and I lead the House. As Majority Leader, you are also the leader of the House, and I am saying this: take it from me, there will be no chaos in Parliament. We will not allow that. Again, there will be no military presence; they have no business in Parliament."
Afenyo-Markin dismissed the NDC’s claims as part of a political ploy and vowed not to fall into their “trap.”
Conclusion
As Parliament prepares to sit on October 22, 2024, the situation remains tense, with the NPP and NDC locked in a battle over the majority status. While concerns over military deployment have been raised, the Majority Leader's assurances suggest that no such measures will be taken. The political atmosphere in Parliament will undoubtedly remain under close scrutiny as the House reconvenes for business.
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