The Majority caucus, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, staged a walkout in Parliament on Thursday, October 17, following a heated exchange with Speaker Alban Bagbin.
The confrontation occurred after the Speaker ruled to declare four parliamentary seats vacant, leading to sharp disagreements.
The affected MPs—Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central)—were disqualified after they announced their intent to contest the upcoming December elections as independent candidates, thereby vacating their parliamentary seats under the Constitution.
The tension escalated when Afenyo-Markin challenged Bagbin’s ruling on the floor, leading to a vigorous back-and-forth between the two leaders.
Speaker Bagbin defended his decision, citing prior consultations and directives from the Chief Justice. Despite Afenyo-Markin’s protest, Bagbin stood by his ruling.
“We discussed this and based on this discussion, the Chief Justice issued a directive to all registries in the country and it is stated clearly there that the speaker can be served on Mondays during working hours.
“There were reasons why we came to those agreements, you are aware of it yet you kept on insisting that service be effected while the speaker was proceeding over the proceedings of the house. You are the leader of the house, the majority leader is saying that this was a service because you threw the court processing on the table and walked away, is that how you effect service? don’t go there. ” he stated.
In response, Afenyo-Markin expressed frustration, defending his credibility: “Speaker, with respect for the past 12 years, I have accorded you every respect and I will continue to do that. Mr Speaker the facts you put out there are not true. These are credibility issues and I will respond. Somebody has told you something and you reserve the right to make your point, let me make my point too. No way! whoever told you that I threw a paper at somebody… this has to do with my credibility and I will not allow that.
Speaker Bagbin interjected, clarifying that he never accused the Majority Leader of throwing papers, but that the court process had been thrown on the table in his office.
“Majority leader, you don’t listen at all. I didn’t say You threw a paper at anybody. You are being carried away by your anger and you are not listening. I said, the court process was thrown on the table in the office. I never stated that it was stated by you or any person.
… I don’t want to proceed to make some orders. please resume your seat,” he stated.
To express his disapproval with the speaker’s order, Afenyo Markin and the other majority MPs walked out of the house.
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