Vacant seats controversy: NPP caucus to cite Speaker for contempt – KT Hammond

The Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, Hon. K.T. Hammond, has indicated that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus may charge Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Alban Bagbin, for contempt.

Speaking after the sitting of Parliament, Hammond raised concerns over the seating arrangement, particularly questioning why members of the NDC were occupying the majority side of the chamber.

He emphasized that there are established conventions in Parliament regarding seating, and such actions should not be up for debate.

Hammond’s comments followed the latest developments in Parliament, where tensions have been rising between the NPP and the Speaker.

He pointed out that the Supreme Court had previously ruled on the matter, and it was not for MPs or the majority side to challenge the Court’s decision.

He said, ‘why were the NDC guys sitting at the majority side? Is that were they are supposed to be sitting.”

“We have a convention, and its not for argument.”

“Supreme Court has spoken and it is not for us MPs or majority side to be arguing any point.”

According to him, the Speaker’s failure to enforce the Supreme Court’s ruling is a serious oversight, and he called for Bagbin to respect the Court’s orders, rather than merely acknowledging them verbally.

“The orders of the Supreme Court was directed specifically to the Speaker.”

“We (NPP) will cite him for contempt,” he added.