NPP MPs take over Speaker’s right-hand side with no NDC MPs in sight
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament (MPs) arrived early in Parliament on Monday, December 16, reclaiming the right-hand side of the Speaker’s dais, which their National Democratic Congress (NDC) counterparts had occupied during the last two sessions of Parliament. The NDC MPs had previously insisted they were the majority caucus.
First Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu confirmed the NPP MPs’ return to their “rightful place,” emphasizing that the 8th Parliament would proceed as it originally began in 2021. Speaking to journalists, he explained, “Eighth Parliament will continue as it started in 2021 before.”
However, the NDC MPs were notably absent when the House reconvened after a nearly two-month political impasse. Regarding the absence of some members, Mr. Osei-Owusu attributed it to a lack of morale following the outcome of the just-ended elections, where some MPs lost their seats. He remarked, “Some people are demoralized. So can I expect everybody to be able to be here? It’s normal.”
The session comes at a time when Parliament is expected to address significant government business, setting the stage for potentially contentious debates between the two sides. With no absolute majority in the current hung Parliament, cooperation between both caucuses remains critical for the passage of urgent legislation.
