Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has urged Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, to take decisive action in resolving the ongoing deadlock over the seating arrangements in Parliament.
Kufuor, expressing his frustration, referred to the standoff as “embarrassing” and warned that it could tarnish Bagbin’s well-established political career if not addressed swiftly.
The controversy stems from the Supreme Court’s decision to stay Bagbin’s earlier ruling that declared four parliamentary seats vacant.
While members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) disagree with Bagbin’s ruling, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) continues to support it, claiming a majority in the House.
Despite the Supreme Court’s intervention, the NDC MPs still occupy seats traditionally reserved for the NPP majority, asserting their position as the new ruling party in Parliament.
In response, NPP MPs, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, have decided to stay out of the chamber to avoid potential confrontations, which has brought parliamentary proceedings to a standstill and escalated tensions between the two parties.
Speaking to Asempa FM, Kufuor highlighted the critical role Bagbin plays in restoring order and called for leadership that prioritizes the smooth functioning of Parliament.
He cautioned that failing to resolve the issue could damage Bagbin’s legacy and his contributions to Ghana’s political development.
“I will plead with the Speaker of Parliament to step up and show leadership. What’s happening in parliament is embarrassing. It can destroy his illustrious record,” he said.