In a striking turn of events at the Accra International Conference Centre, Members of Parliament from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) arrived early Thursday morning to find themselves alone in the chamber. By 8:30 a.m., only NDC MPs were present, occupying the majority-side seats typically reserved for New Patriotic Party (NPP) members, who had yet to arrive. The absence of the NPP MPs sparked frustration among the NDC caucus, who saw the empty seats as a sign of the governing party’s waning commitment to parliamentary duties.
Joseph Bukari, MP for Saboba, voiced the collective disappointment of his colleagues, calling the situation “disheartening.” He remarked, “We’re here, ready to work. The Speaker recalled us to address pressing national issues, including budget approvals and critical legislative reforms. Yet, our colleagues from the governing party are nowhere to be seen. It makes us question their seriousness toward governance and fulfilling their parliamentary obligations.”
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, had called this session to tackle a backlog of urgent matters, notably budgetary allocations and legislative updates that have been stalled by recent tensions in the House. NDC members arrived early, aiming to signal their dedication to addressing these national priorities. However, the absence of the NPP side underscored the ongoing divide between the two main political factions.
In a symbolic gesture of protest and determination, NDC MPs remained seated on the majority side as the clock neared the official start time of 10:00 a.m. Their early presence, contrasted with the empty seats across from them, highlighted the stark opposition between the parties. For the NDC, showing up was not just about attendance but a message to their constituents and the nation about their readiness to resolve key issues, regardless of obstacles.
“Our commitment to being here on time reflects our duty to the Ghanaian people,” Bukari continued. “We have work waiting for us back in our constituencies, yet we made it a point to prioritize this session. The government’s delay is simply a waste of our time and resources.”
This unexpected development at the start of the session illustrates the current state of parliamentary dynamics in Ghana: a divided House, with one party pushing forward despite perceived resistance from the other. For the NDC, the day’s events only strengthen their resolve to press on with or without full cooperation from their colleagues in the NPP, reflecting a deepening power struggle that could shape the remainder of the legislative calendar.
