How to resolve AdBlock issue? NDC Chairman Asiedu Nketiah Orders MPs to Boycott Emergency Parliament Sessions
Sunday, 24 November 2024 | Ghana
National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has directed the party’s Members of Parliament (MPs) to boycott any emergency parliamentary sessions, accusing the ruling majority of using such meetings to advance corrupt agendas. Addressing supporters in the Western Region on Saturday, November 16, he dismissed claims of any legitimate urgency in recalling Parliament so close to the 2024 general elections.
"No NDC MP should set foot in Parliament. If they wish, they can go and burn the sea. There is no work in Parliament that can be considered an emergency," Asiedu Nketiah declared. He accused the majority caucus of orchestrating these sessions to perpetuate corruption, a practice he alleged has marked their eight years in power.
With just weeks to the December 7 elections, Asiedu Nketiah maintained that his party’s MPs would not contribute to what he described as the majority’s “rampant corruption.” He added, “We won’t go near them today or tomorrow. Judges may say what they want, but Parliament has its own rules, and we will adhere to those.”
The comments come amidst heightened political tensions following a Supreme Court ruling on Tuesday, November 12, which overturned Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin's declaration that four parliamentary seats were vacant. The legal challenge had been brought by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who argued that Bagbin’s declaration contravened parliamentary and constitutional processes.
The apex court's detailed ruling, delivered on Thursday, November 14, clarified that a parliamentary seat could only be declared vacant under specific circumstances, such as when an MP crosses party lines while still holding their position. This decision was upheld by five justices, while two dissented, raising questions about the court's jurisdiction in the matter.
The controversy surrounding the ruling adds another layer of complexity to the impending elections, which promise to be fiercely contested. Asiedu Nketiah’s strong stance against the emergency recall reflects the NDC’s broader campaign narrative, accusing the ruling government of systemic corruption and mismanagement.
Critics of the NDC Chairman’s directive argue that such actions could undermine parliamentary processes and set a dangerous precedent for legislative accountability. However, Asiedu Nketiah and the NDC maintain that their boycott is a necessary response to what they perceive as unethical governance practices by the majority caucus.
Meanwhile, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has defended the need for emergency sessions, arguing that critical national matters require parliamentary attention regardless of the electoral calendar. The Speaker of Parliament is yet to announce an official recall, leaving the public to speculate on whether such a session will occur and what its agenda might entail.
The unfolding political drama highlights the stakes of the upcoming elections, with both major parties positioning themselves as the country’s best choice for governance. As campaigns intensify, these clashes over parliamentary processes and judicial rulings are likely to dominate the political discourse.
"No NDC MP should set foot in Parliament. If they wish, they can go and burn the sea. There is no work in Parliament that can be considered an emergency," Asiedu Nketiah declared. He accused the majority caucus of orchestrating these sessions to perpetuate corruption, a practice he alleged has marked their eight years in power.
With just weeks to the December 7 elections, Asiedu Nketiah maintained that his party’s MPs would not contribute to what he described as the majority’s “rampant corruption.” He added, “We won’t go near them today or tomorrow. Judges may say what they want, but Parliament has its own rules, and we will adhere to those.”
The comments come amidst heightened political tensions following a Supreme Court ruling on Tuesday, November 12, which overturned Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin's declaration that four parliamentary seats were vacant. The legal challenge had been brought by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who argued that Bagbin’s declaration contravened parliamentary and constitutional processes.
The apex court's detailed ruling, delivered on Thursday, November 14, clarified that a parliamentary seat could only be declared vacant under specific circumstances, such as when an MP crosses party lines while still holding their position. This decision was upheld by five justices, while two dissented, raising questions about the court's jurisdiction in the matter.
The controversy surrounding the ruling adds another layer of complexity to the impending elections, which promise to be fiercely contested. Asiedu Nketiah’s strong stance against the emergency recall reflects the NDC’s broader campaign narrative, accusing the ruling government of systemic corruption and mismanagement.
Critics of the NDC Chairman’s directive argue that such actions could undermine parliamentary processes and set a dangerous precedent for legislative accountability. However, Asiedu Nketiah and the NDC maintain that their boycott is a necessary response to what they perceive as unethical governance practices by the majority caucus.
Meanwhile, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has defended the need for emergency sessions, arguing that critical national matters require parliamentary attention regardless of the electoral calendar. The Speaker of Parliament is yet to announce an official recall, leaving the public to speculate on whether such a session will occur and what its agenda might entail.
The unfolding political drama highlights the stakes of the upcoming elections, with both major parties positioning themselves as the country’s best choice for governance. As campaigns intensify, these clashes over parliamentary processes and judicial rulings are likely to dominate the political discourse.