The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has expressed the stance of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus in parliament, to maintain their newly affirmed majority status.
This follows Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration concerning the vacancy of four parliamentary seats, which altered the balance of power in the legislature.
During a press conference on Sunday, Dr. Ato Forson highlighted that the Speaker’s announcement significantly reshaped the parliamentary setup, effectively designating the NPP as the minority and elevating the NDC to the majority status.
“The effect of the Speaker’s declaration is clear; we no longer have an independent MP. The NPP holds 135 seats, shifting the structure of Parliament,” Dr. Ato Forson stated. “According to Order 6 of the Standing Orders, the NPP now constitutes the minority caucus, while the NDC forms the majority.”
He emphasized the caucus’s determination to protect their newly gained majority, insisting that they would not relent.
“We will jealously protect our new majority status and we will not bow, retreat nor surrender our lawfully earned status” he asserted.
However, the Supreme Court has stepped in, issuing a stay on the Speaker’s declaration, which prevents the immediate vacancy of the disputed seats. This ruling keeps the existing parliamentary numbers intact until further notice.