The NPP’s majority caucus in Parliament staged a walkout after Speaker Alban Sumana Bagbin officially declared four parliamentary seats vacant.
This development has resulted in the NPP losing its majority status, making them the minority in Parliament under the Fourth Republic.
The MPs affected are NDC’s Peter Yaw Kwakye Ackah of Amenfi Central, Andrew Amoakoh Asiama of Fomena, Hon. Kojo Asante, NPP MP for Suhum in the Eastern Region, and NPP’s Cynthia Morrison of Agona West
The decision follows an official petition to the Speaker by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu.
It comes after extensive discussions and arguments presented by both the Majority and Minority sides of the House concerning the petition filed by former NDC Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu.
The petition specifically targeted three New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs and one MP from the NDC, invoking Article 97 (1)(g) of the Constitution.
This constitutional provision stipulates that an MP must vacate their seat if they leave the party under which they were elected or attempt to remain in Parliament as an independent candidate.
This situation has sparked significant debate within Parliament, highlighting the political tensions between the ruling party and the opposition.