The New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus in Parliament has leveled sharp accusations against Speaker Alban Bagbin, asserting that his recent actions are worsening political unrest in Ghana. Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin voiced his concerns during a press briefing on Thursday, November 7, pointing to what he described as Bagbin’s increasingly divisive conduct. Afenyo-Markin claimed that the Speaker’s latest press conference, which he labeled as “non-reconciliatory,” was damaging to Ghana’s democratic framework.
Afenyo-Markin’s criticisms follow recent statements made by Bagbin, who suggested that both the President and the Judiciary were working together to undermine the authority of Parliament. Bagbin’s comments came shortly after he declared four parliamentary seats vacant—a highly controversial decision that the Supreme Court later stayed, halting its immediate enforcement. This has since fueled tensions, with the NPP caucus accusing the Speaker of disregarding the Supreme Court’s ruling and encouraging National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament to defy parliamentary norms by sitting on the Majority side of the Chamber.
“The Speaker is setting the country on fire,” Afenyo-Markin warned, as he urged Bagbin to adopt a more diplomatic and statesmanlike approach. He emphasized that, as Speaker of Parliament, Bagbin holds a position that demands a high level of impartiality and a commitment to fostering national unity. By taking a more reconciliatory stance, Afenyo-Markin argued, Bagbin could help ease the current political strain rather than intensify it.
Afenyo-Markin’s pointed remarks reflect a growing sense of disappointment within the NPP majority caucus. He noted that despite initial reservations when Bagbin was elected Speaker, some members of the NPP had been hopeful that Bagbin would bring balance and fairness to his role. “We want Mr. Speaker to know that although we were not happy on the day he was elected, some of our colleagues perhaps had seen something good in him,” Afenyo-Markin stated, alluding to the expectations that Bagbin would serve as a neutral arbiter in the legislative process.
The NPP’s concerns revolve around what they see as Bagbin’s failure to respect the principles of democratic governance. They view his recent declaration of vacant seats as overstepping his authority, a move that they believe not only disregards the judiciary but also disrupts the checks and balances that are fundamental to Ghana’s political system. According to Afenyo-Markin, the Speaker’s actions are creating divisions that could ultimately weaken the democratic fabric of the nation, sowing discord at a time when unity is crucial.
Bagbin’s press conference also raised eyebrows within the NPP due to its timing and tone, which many in the majority caucus felt did not align with the expectations for parliamentary leadership. The Speaker’s willingness to criticize other branches of government publicly, particularly the Judiciary, struck a nerve with the NPP caucus, who view his comments as an attempt to incite public distrust toward these institutions. By calling out the Judiciary and the Presidency in such a way, the Speaker, according to the NPP, is stoking tensions and undermining the principles of mutual respect and cooperation that should define inter-branch relations.
Afenyo-Markin argued that Bagbin should instead focus on his duties as a unifying figure, capable of bridging divides rather than deepening them. The Majority Leader went on to emphasize that Ghana’s political landscape already faces significant challenges, and that this is not a time for leadership figures to exacerbate these issues. He called on Bagbin to reflect on his approach and consider the potential consequences of his actions for the broader stability of the country. “Mr. Speaker is hurting democracy,” Afenyo-Markin asserted, underscoring the NPP’s belief that Bagbin’s recent behavior is a threat to Ghana’s democratic integrity.
The recent decision by the Supreme Court to stay Bagbin’s ruling on vacant seats has only added to the complexity of the situation. The Court’s intervention effectively halted any immediate consequences of the Speaker’s declaration, but the underlying tensions remain unresolved. The NPP majority has interpreted the Court’s ruling as a clear signal that the Speaker overstepped his bounds, yet Bagbin’s refusal to retract his statements or acknowledge the Court’s authority has fueled concerns that he may not fully respect the judicial branch’s role.
The NPP has also expressed concern over the Speaker’s influence on the behavior of NDC MPs. By allegedly encouraging the Minority to occupy the Majority side of the Chamber, the NPP argues that Bagbin is fostering a climate of defiance within Parliament, one that is at odds with the principles of decorum and respect that typically guide parliamentary proceedings. This, they say, not only disrupts the normal functioning of Parliament but also sends a troubling message to the Ghanaian public about the state of governance.
As the situation unfolds, political observers and the public alike are keeping a close eye on the implications of these tensions. A resolution is necessary to ensure that Parliament can continue to function effectively and serve the needs of the Ghanaian people. However, the path to such a resolution is far from clear, as both sides appear deeply entrenched in their positions.
Afenyo-Markin’s comments underscore the frustrations within the NPP caucus, who feel that Bagbin’s actions are contributing to a dangerous precedent of partisanship within the Speaker’s office. The Majority Leader’s remarks suggest that the NPP is growing increasingly wary of Bagbin’s leadership style, which they believe is at odds with the Speaker’s duty to remain impartial. By positioning himself in direct opposition to the executive and judicial branches, they argue, Bagbin risks alienating the very institutions that Parliament must work with to ensure the smooth governance of Ghana.
Ultimately, the NPP is calling for Speaker Bagbin to reassess his approach and commit to a path of reconciliation. They urge him to recognize the impact his words and actions have on the nation’s stability and the confidence of Ghanaians in their democratic institutions. As Afenyo-Markin put it, the Speaker must understand the gravity of his role and the responsibility it entails—a responsibility to foster unity, respect the authority of the Judiciary, and work collaboratively with all branches of government. In a time of political strain, the NPP believes that such an approach is essential to preserving Ghana’s democratic values and ensuring a stable future for the nation.
