Parliament: This clearly defined majority is good – Governance Expert

Speaking on ABC In the Morning on Tuesday, Governance Expert Dr. Donald Agumenu commended the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for its majority in the ninth Parliament, calling it a positive development for Ghana’s sociopolitical structure.

Dr. Agumenu stated, “This situation is good. It has brought a new dynamic into our sociopolitical structure and it redefines again the power of the people against the power of the selected people.”

He went on to emphasize that the long-standing debate between majority and minority parties has now shifted.

“Now the majority, minority debate is over because people have spoken. Now it is not the voice of the court, it is the voice of the people,” Agumenu remarked, highlighting the increasing influence of the electorate in the political process.

The current situation in Parliament stems from the 2020 general elections, which resulted in a tie between the NPP and NDC, with each party securing 137 seats.

This delicate balance led to tensions, with the NPP relying on an independent MP to maintain its majority.

However, on October 17, 2024, Speaker Alban Bagbin declared four parliamentary seats vacant, shifting the balance of power in favor of the NDC, who now hold 136 seats to the NPP’s 135.

Despite this, the NPP challenged the Speaker’s decision, and Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin filed an appeal with the Supreme Court.

The court ruled in favor of the NPP, confirming their majority.

The next parliamentary sitting is scheduled for December 16, 2024.

Dr. Agumenu further stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, particularly in the digital age.

He stated, “Agreement is anchored on specific outcomes, and no amount of propaganda can change the minds of the people,” adding that with the rise of citizen journalism, the public can easily monitor and evaluate government projects.

“At this moment, citizen journalism is at the top,” he added.