The Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has alleged that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) is pursuing a premeditated strategy to secure an overwhelming majority in Parliament in order to push through constitutional amendments.
His comments follow heightened tensions in the House on Tuesday after Minority MPs blocked Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga from responding to calls for the withdrawal of a letter declaring the Kpandai parliamentary seat vacant. The Minority, clad in black, banged tables, chanted, and disrupted proceedings, forcing a temporary suspension of the sitting.
The dispute centres on a 4 December letter from the Clerk of Parliament to Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa, notifying her of a vacancy in the Kpandai seat following a High Court ruling. Minority MPs have rejected the letter, calling it “out of place” and “unfortunate,” arguing that it violates procedural norms and due process.
Claims of a Coordinated Agenda
Speaking to journalists in Parliament, Oppong Nkrumah drew parallels between the current developments and what he describes as past politically motivated removals within state institutions.
He referenced the alleged pre-planned removal of the former Chief Justice, claiming that a similar pattern is now being applied to the leadership of the Electoral Commission.
“There is a pre-advertised agenda to get rid of the EC commissioner and her deputies. It is being rolled out and they will say it is procedure, procedure,” he said.
The Ofoase Ayirebi MP further asserted that the government’s actions are part of a broader plan to reshape the political landscape within Parliament.
“If you still don’t believe it, there is a pre-advertised agenda to ensure that there is an overwhelming majority in this chamber for the purpose of constitutional amendments,” he alleged.
Minority Vows Resistance
Oppong Nkrumah emphasised that the Minority will continue to oppose any attempt to declare the Kpandai seat vacant, insisting that Speaker Alban Bagbin has already made a formal ruling on the matter.
“What we can do is to stand on our feet and draw Mr Speaker’s attention that he should not buckle to any pressure being put on him to declare that seat vacant because he has already made that ruling. No amount of pressure should be brought on him to make that declaration,” he said.
Debate over the status of the Kpandai seat continues to deepen partisan tensions, with no immediate resolution in sight.
