In a unique development in Parliament today, members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) have both assumed seats on the majority side of the House, leaving the opposition side entirely empty.
Following Speaker Alban Bagbin’s announcement of four open parliamentary seats on October 17, there is still uncertainty regarding which party has the majority. This odd arrangement occurs amid that uncertainty.
As reported by Amanie’s Fm’s 93.3 Parliamentary Correspondent, Brhyte – Owoo Nii Kwartei, despite being sitting on the same side, MPs from the NDC and NPP could be seen smiling and chatting with one another.
This most recent event comes after Speaker Alban Bagbin said that the balance of power in Parliament has changed due to the vacancy of four parliamentary seats, three of which were held by the NPP and one by the NDC.
The NDC swiftly established itself as the new majority when the NPP was cut to 135 members and the NDC claimed 136 seats.
The Supreme Court, however, granted Speaker Bagbin’s decision a stay of execution on Friday, October 18, holding that the four MPs must be let to continue serving their constituents until the court makes a final decision.
The NDC caucus has refused to give up its recently asserted majority status in spite of the court’s decision, claiming that the courts cannot meddle in Parliament’s internal affairs because Parliament is an independent branch of government.
In anticipation of conflicts between the two sides, there has been a noticeable increase in security in and around Parliament. Before entering the Chamber, both MPs and parliamentary staff had to go through a rigorous screening process, and bodyguards were not allowed.
 and New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs have taken up seats on the majority side of the House, leaving the minority side completely vacant.){kind=link}