NPP Threatens Contempt Charges Against Speaker Bagbin Over Parliamentary Deadlock
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus has announced plans to cite Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin for contempt following his recent decision to adjourn Parliament indefinitely, marking a second such adjournment. The NPP, voicing its frustration over the Speaker’s actions on November 7, 2024, sees this decision as further intensifying the ongoing tensions between the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2024 elections.
Background to the Dispute
The controversy began when Speaker Bagbin declared four parliamentary seats vacant, a move perceived as shifting the parliamentary majority toward the NDC. This declaration provoked a swift response, with the Supreme Court intervening and ordering the Speaker to refrain from declaring the seats vacant pending a judicial review. However, some NPP leaders argue that the Speaker failed to follow the Court’s directive.
NPP’s Objections
K.T. Hammond, MP for Adansi-Asokwa, expressed frustration over the Speaker’s perceived disregard for the Supreme Court’s order, noting that NDC members were occupying the Majority side of Parliament in defiance of the ruling. Hammond emphasized that parliamentary tradition dictates seating arrangements based on party standings, and alleged that Speaker Bagbin’s actions threaten these established norms. “This is a serious oversight and breach of parliamentary conventions,” Hammond remarked, underscoring the NPP’s grievance.
Potential Consequences for Speaker Bagbin
The NPP caucus has indicated that they are prepared to pursue contempt charges if the Speaker does not adhere to procedural expectations and the Court’s ruling. Should the contempt charge be filed, it could lead to a formal investigation and potentially a vote of no confidence, marking a serious escalation in the ongoing political conflict.
Political Ramifications
This development comes as political tensions are already high, with both the NPP and NDC intensifying their campaigns ahead of the December 2024 election. The NPP argues that Speaker Bagbin’s recent actions are symptomatic of a broader issue of political favoritism, which they believe compromises parliamentary neutrality. Citing these concerns, Hammond reiterated that adherence to constitutional protocols is critical, especially with the election approaching.
This latest disagreement spotlights the challenges of parliamentary governance in Ghana and the ongoing power struggle between the country’s two dominant political parties. The coming weeks may reveal whether the NPP will proceed with contempt charges or if a compromise will be reached to resolve the parliamentary deadlock.
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s on November 7, 2024, sees this decision as further intensifying the ongoing tensions between the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2024 elections.
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