NDC MPs Occupy Majority Side in Parliament as NPP Members Delay Arrival

As Parliament resumed its session on Thursday morning at the Accra International Conference Centre, members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) arrived early and took seats on the majority side, a space typically reserved for the party with the larger caucus. By 8:30 a.m., no New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs were present, creating a notable imbalance in the chamber.

NDC MPs voiced frustration over the absence of their NPP counterparts, interpreting it as a lack of dedication to parliamentary responsibilities. Joseph Bukari, the MP for Saboba, expressed his disappointment, stating, “The governing side is not serious… They triggered the provisions for the Speaker to recall us, and we expected them to be here so we could conduct business, but they are not.”

He criticized the absence, suggesting it disrespected parliamentary business and wasted both their time and that of the Ghanaian public. He highlighted that MPs are expected to be seated by 10 a.m., adding that the NPP’s absence impacted MPs’ ability to address pressing issues back in their constituencies.

Speaker Alban Bagbin called this session to address critical topics, including budget allocations and legislative reforms delayed due to recent parliamentary disputes. The early standoff, with NDC members occupying seats typically held by the NPP, highlighted ongoing tensions and power struggles between the two parties.

The NDC MPs emphasized that their early attendance demonstrated a commitment to addressing national issues, while the NPP’s delayed arrival only added to the tensions within Parliament.