The Minority Caucus in Parliament has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the letter declaring the Kpandai parliamentary seat vacant, citing procedural inconsistencies and a fundamental disregard for the rule of law. The declaration, which was conveyed to the Electoral Commission (EC) by the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, was based on a Tamale High Court ruling concerning the 2024 Parliamentary election results for the Kpandai Constituency. Led by their Chief Whip, Frank Annoh Dompreh, the Minority made their stance clear in a statement on the floor of the House, arguing that the decision flies in the face of law and procedural justice.
Mr. Annoh Dompreh stressed that the Majority’s decision, enacted through the Clerk’s letter, was unacceptable and unsustainable. The Minority Caucus contends that while they will continue to collaborate with the Majority side of the House, they will not compromise on upholding the core principles of democracy and the rule of law. They maintain that the declaration of the seat as vacant is a flawed process that must be reversed to ensure proper legal procedures are followed in the House.
The disagreement over the legitimacy of the declaration quickly escalated on the floor of Parliament. The ongoing tensions between the two caucuses resulted in singing and significant disruption of proceedings within the Chamber. In response to the growing disorder, the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, who was presiding over the House at the time, was compelled to suspend the sitting, bringing the legislative business to a temporary halt amidst the political turbulence.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
