Showdown In Parliament Eschew Your Extreme Partisan Posture NPP Chides Speaker Bagbin

The New Patriotic Party(NPP) has chided the Speaker of parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, urging him to eschew his deep rooted and extreme partisan posture when handling affairs in parliament. 

According to the NPP, the posture of the Rt. Hon. Speaker is alarming, describing it as a threat to Ghana's democracy and peace. 

The reaction from the NPP is in sequel to a recent ruling by the Speaker of parliament where he declared four Parliamentary seats vacant. This resulted in heated debates amongst political actors with many calling out the Speaker to do the needful by allowing the members to complete their term in parliament. 

Other sections of the public also posits that the Speaker was right to declare the seats vacant following the decision of the affected MPs to contest the upcoming Parliamentary elections on the ticket other than the one they entered Parliament with. 

Prior to his ruling, the Leader of the NPP caucus in parliament had petitioned the Supreme Court to seek for interpretation on what the constitution says in accordance to Article 97 (g) of the 1992 co0nmsyituion. 

The NPP, in a press release dated, 23rd October, 2024, stated that, the posture of the Speaker is extremely dangerous and threatens the very existence of Ghana's democracy. 

"NPP wishes to use this chance to urge the Speaker to eschew his extreme partisan posture when handling the affairs in the August House since he is not an MP. It is extremely dangerous posture and threatens to undermine the very essence of our democracy."

The NPP added that, the mandate of the Speaker of Parliament, as enshrined in the constitution as well as the oath of office enjoins him to act as a referee and not a player.Alban Bagbin.Kobina Darlington/