By Francis Kobena Tandoh
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority staged a walkout on Tuesday over the swearing‑in of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP)‑elect Ewurabena Aubynn for Ablekuma North.
They protested alleged electoral irregularities in the July 11 parliamentary rerun and demanded to speak before the oath was administered—but were denied by the Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.
Despite the disruption, Aubynn was sworn in by the Speaker, solidifying the NDC’s two‑thirds parliamentary majority.
NPP Chief Whip Frank Annoh‑Dompreh emphasised the party’s rejection of what they termed a flawed rerun marred by “intimidation, vote suppression, and procedural violations.”
Parliament’s composition now stands at 184 NDC MPs (plus 4 independents) and 86 NPP MPs, meaning the NDC can push through constitutional changes or reforms more easily.
The NDC’s strengthened two‑thirds majority grants them greater flexibility to advance key reforms—albeit not unilaterally, given some procedural limitations.
The Minority intends to pursue legal and parliamentary channels—file motions and potentially a court challenge—to contest the rerun’s outcome.
The controversy amplifies concerns about rerun integrity, with the NPP accusing the EC and NDC of misconduct, while the NDC maintains the rerun was legitimate and peaceful.
Earlier this month, the Minority also staged a walkout in protest after Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga publicly questioned the timing of declaring the Akwatia seat vacant following the death of MP Ernest Yaw Kumi.
These repeated disruptions signal a tense parliamentary atmosphere. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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