‘No Ablekuma North MP, no gov’t business’ – Minority disrupts proceedings

On Friday, January 24, Ghana’s Parliament witnessed a chaotic scene that temporarily disrupted proceedings and forced the Speaker to suspend the sitting for 30 minutes. The incident stemmed from tensions between the Majority and Minority MPs, triggered by the presentation of the business statement for the upcoming parliamentary week.

The business statement, which outlines the agenda for the week, was presented by the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, who serves as the leader of government business in Parliament. This statement is a routine procedure, meant to inform members of the issues that are to be discussed and the schedule for the week’s sessions.

However, shortly after Ayariga’s presentation, the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, took to the floor to voice concerns over the content of the statement. Afenyo-Markin raised a specific issue that had been a point of contention in Parliament for some time—the unresolved matter of violence during the Ablekuma North parliamentary election.

Afenyo-Markin reminded the House that the former Majority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, had earlier given assurances that the issue of violence surrounding the Ablekuma North election would be addressed. The election, which had been marred by violence, was a controversial and highly sensitive issue.

The Minority had raised concerns over how the Electoral Commission (EC) had handled the situation, with particular reference to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Greater Accra Regional party’s criticism of the EC.

The Minority members felt that the electoral violence in Ablekuma North, along with similar incidents in other parts of the country, had not been adequately addressed, and they were calling for the issue to be debated in Parliament.

Afenyo-Markin’s dissatisfaction stemmed from the fact that, despite the prominence of the issue, the business statement did not allocate any time for discussion of the violence in Ablekuma North or other similar incidents.

This omission frustrated the Minority, who viewed the failure to prioritize these concerns as a sign of neglect by the government. They argued that the issue of electoral violence was pressing and required immediate attention from Parliament to ensure accountability and promote peace during future elections.

Once Afenyo-Markin concluded his speech, the atmosphere in the chamber grew increasingly tense. In an act of protest, Minority MPs rose from their seats, holding placards with various inscriptions condemning the lack of space in the agenda to discuss the Ablekuma North violence.

Their protest was further amplified by loud chanting, with the MPs repeatedly shouting, “No Ablekuma North, No Government Business.” This chant was a clear message that, until the issue was addressed, the Minority would not cooperate with the government’s business.

The disruptive nature of the protest made it impossible to continue with the session, as the chanting and table-banging drowned out any attempts to regain order.

Second Deputy Speaker Andrew Asiamah Amoako, who was presiding over the session, found it difficult to control the situation. Faced with growing chaos and unable to maintain decorum, the Speaker decided to suspend the sitting for 30 minutes in an attempt to calm the situation and restore order to the proceedings.

During the suspension, it is likely that discussions took place behind the scenes between members of the Majority and Minority to find a way to resolve the issue. When the session resumed, Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin took charge of his side, urging his fellow MPs to cease the chanting and allow the proceedings to continue in a more orderly manner. His call for restraint appeared to help de-escalate the situation, and the business statement was ultimately allowed to proceed without further disruptions.

This incident highlights the high levels of political tension in Ghana’s Parliament, particularly when it comes to matters surrounding electoral violence and the actions of the Electoral Commission.

The Minority’s protest was a demonstration of their frustration with the handling of these issues and a clear signal that they would not allow such matters to be swept under the rug. The violence in Ablekuma North, and similar incidents, have become flashpoints for political debate, with both sides of the House seeking to use them to score political points.

The disruption also underscores the challenges that Parliament faces in maintaining order when contentious issues are raised. While the business statement is meant to facilitate the smooth running of Parliament, it is clear that some issues, particularly those affecting the electorate and the integrity of elections, can spark strong emotions and lead to heated debates.

Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the concerns raised by the Minority regarding the Ablekuma North violence. There may be pressure for the government to allocate time for a full debate on the issue, especially given its prominence in recent discussions.

The events of January 24 serve as a reminder of the political challenges faced by Ghana’s lawmakers and the importance of ensuring that Parliament remains a space where the concerns of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, are given due consideration.

As the political landscape in Ghana continues to evolve, the role of Parliament in addressing issues such as electoral violence and the actions of the Electoral Commission will remain a critical aspect of the country’s democratic process.

The events of that Friday highlight the continuing need for dialogue, cooperation, and a commitment to resolving issues through peaceful means. Only through such cooperation can Parliament effectively serve the interests of all Ghanaians and work towards building a more peaceful and just society.