NDC Set To Overthrow NPP Majority On Tuesday

The Opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced its intention to utilize its newly declared majority in Parliament to push for significant legislative changes and challenge the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). This development follows the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin’s, declaration that four Members of Parliament had vacated their seats due to their decision to run as independent candidates or switch political allegiances ahead of upcoming elections.

The Speaker’s ruling has shifted the balance of power in Parliament, with the NDC now claiming 136 seats to the NPP’s 135, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation between the two major political parties. The NDC has since outlined its plans to use this majority to introduce legislative measures aimed at alleviating what it describes as the economic burden on Ghanaians.

At a press conference held on Sunday, October 20, 2024, Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson expressed the party’s determination to safeguard its newfound majority status and introduce bills to reverse what it sees as damaging policies under the Akufo-Addo administration. “We will jealously protect our new majority status and will not bow, retreat, nor surrender our lawfully earned status,” Forson declared, emphasizing the NDC’s commitment to working in the interest of Ghanaians.

One of the key legislative proposals on the NDC’s agenda is the removal of the controversial electronic levy (e-levy), along with other taxes the party deems excessive and harmful to businesses and individuals. Forson stated that the NDC intends to “immediately commence the process of reversing the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia mess and put our country back on track.”

Supreme Court Intervention and Political Tensions

The NDC’s assertion of majority status comes after a legal battle sparked by the NPP’s decision to contest the Speaker’s ruling. Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin filed a suit at the Supreme Court, seeking an interpretation of Article 97(1)(g) and (h) of the Constitution, which addresses the circumstances under which MPs vacate their seats.

The Supreme Court intervened by issuing a stay of execution on the Speaker’s declaration, thereby keeping the four MPs’ seats intact pending further legal proceedings. This move has been met with resistance by the NDC, who have accused the ruling party of orchestrating what they describe as a “coup plot” against their parliamentary majority.

The political standoff has deepened as the NPP, dissatisfied with the Speaker’s ruling and the Supreme Court’s involvement, has announced a boycott of Parliamentary proceedings until further notice.

Legislative and Political Implications

The NDC’s newfound majority and the Speaker’s declaration have sparked widespread debate on the future of the NPP government and its ability to govern effectively. With the NDC poised to introduce private members’ bills targeting the economic policies of the Akufo-Addo administration, the ruling party’s ability to pass legislation could be severely hampered.

The removal of the e-levy and other taxes is expected to be a central issue in the NDC’s legislative push, with the party framing these measures as necessary to ease the financial burden on ordinary Ghanaians. The NDC’s leadership has emphasized that their focus is on restoring economic stability and addressing what they see as the failures of the NPP government.

“We will not abdicate our responsibility to the people, no matter what,” Forson asserted, signaling the NDC’s resolve to hold its majority and push forward its legislative agenda despite the mounting legal and political challenges.

As both parties brace for further legal proceedings and political maneuvering, the coming weeks are expected to be critical in determining the future balance of power in Ghana’s Parliament.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com