Professor Ransford Gyampo, a prominent political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, recently called for an out-of-court settlement to resolve the deadlock in Ghana’s Parliament. His comments, which he shared in a social media post, came in response to the ongoing dispute over Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling that declared four parliamentary seats vacant, a decision that has heightened tensions between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The Speaker’s ruling on the seats has significant implications for the balance of power in Parliament. With both the NPP and NDC holding 137 seats each, the vacant seats have left the government and opposition deadlocked. The NDC has asserted its position as the Majority following the Speaker’s declaration, while the NPP has taken the matter to court to challenge the ruling, seeking a reversal that would restore their Majority status. The court responded with a stay of execution on the Speaker’s decision, but this temporary ruling has only intensified the standoff between the two parties, leading to an indefinite adjournment of parliamentary sittings.
In his post, Prof. Gyampo expressed concern over the court’s involvement in the matter, suggesting that judicial intervention might not be the best way to resolve the situation. He argued that dialogue and consultation between the NPP and NDC would provide a more constructive path forward. Gyampo, who also serves as the President of the University Teachers' Association of Ghana (UTAG) at the University of Ghana, emphasized that a court ruling favoring the NPP could lead to even greater disruptions in Parliament, as the NDC might use procedural tactics to obstruct parliamentary activities.
One particular tactic he highlighted was the potential for the NDC to block the formation of a quorum, which is necessary for parliamentary proceedings to take place. With both parties equally matched in Parliament, Gyampo suggested that the NPP could struggle to maintain consistent attendance and support for quorum, especially as many Members of Parliament are focused on campaigning for the upcoming 2024 elections. According to him, if the NPP is unable to secure a quorum, they could find themselves hindered in their efforts to pass legislation, further complicating the government’s ability to function effectively.
Ghanaians across the country have reacted strongly to Gyampo’s remarks. Many citizens have expressed support for his call for a negotiated solution, recognizing the risks associated with leaving the matter to judicial decision alone. For some, his message underscores the importance of unity and cooperation in a time of political division, while others are skeptical of whether an out-of-court settlement could truly resolve such a deeply entrenched political rivalry.
In the comments section of his post, several people shared their opinions on the issue, with some suggesting that both parties should put aside political differences and focus on finding a solution that serves the greater good of the country. Others argued that a lack of bipartisan cooperation is to blame for the current deadlock and urged the leadership of both the NPP and NDC to come to the negotiating table. Many agreed with Gyampo’s caution against an over-reliance on the judiciary to settle what is, at its core, a political impasse.
Supporters of the NPP and NDC alike have also expressed concern that the ongoing struggle over parliamentary control could overshadow the urgent issues facing Ghana. With elections approaching in 2024, several commentators emphasized that Parliament’s focus should be on passing necessary legislation and addressing the needs of the public, rather than engaging in political wrangling over seat counts.
The social media response to Gyampo’s comments has highlighted a broader sentiment among Ghanaians who are increasingly wary of political gridlock. Many fear that if Parliament remains deadlocked, it could disrupt not only legislative activities but also the smooth functioning of government programs and policies. Several individuals have pointed to the fact that with both parties currently matched in numbers, the absence of a clear majority could result in prolonged stalemates on important national issues, which would ultimately harm the nation.
Despite the differing views on how best to address the crisis, there is a shared sense of urgency among Ghanaians for a resolution. The general public appears hopeful that an amicable agreement can be reached outside the courts to prevent further disruption. Some have even called on civil society organizations and religious leaders to step in as mediators, helping bridge the divide between the two political factions and fostering a spirit of collaboration.
The crisis has also prompted discussions on the effectiveness of Ghana’s democratic institutions, with some citizens questioning the resilience of the country’s political system when faced with challenges like this. For many, the current situation is a reminder of the importance of maintaining democratic values such as dialogue, transparency, and compromise. At the same time, the court's temporary stay on the Speaker’s ruling has highlighted the judiciary's role in navigating complex political issues, though not without some concern that it could potentially lead to greater division.
Prof. Gyampo’s post has certainly added weight to the conversation around parliamentary stability, as Ghanaians continue to debate how best to move forward. His call for dialogue resonates with a population eager to see political differences set aside in favor of meaningful solutions. As Parliament remains adjourned indefinitely, the eyes of the nation are now on both parties to see whether they will heed the calls for collaboration or continue to pursue their competing claims in the courts.
For now, Ghana waits for a resolution to the impasse. Many hope that, regardless of the outcome, the parties involved will work towards a solution that restores functionality to Parliament and upholds the interests of the citizens they represent. Prof. Gyampo’s appeal for an out-of-court settlement underscores the belief that some issues are best solved through unity and cooperation, a sentiment that many Ghanaians appear to support.
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