Parliament Erupts in Chaos Over Kpandai Seat Dispute

Parliament was thrown into turmoil on Tuesday as Minority MPs staged a protest over the declaration of the Kpandai parliamentary seat as vacant, leading to a brief scuffle and the suspension of proceedings.

The disruption occurred during a heated debate, with the Minority insisting the decision to declare the seat vacant is unlawful and lacks proper procedure.

Prior to the chaos, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga dismissed the Minority’s ongoing protests as deliberate attempts to obstruct parliamentary business. He stated he wasn’t surprised by what he termed “orchestrated attempts.”

“We will not be distracted by taunts and disruptions that have characterized the House since it resumed sitting,” Ayariga declared, accusing the Minority of intentionally derailing proceedings over the Kpandai seat.

He further asserted, “Kpandai vacancy controversy: No matter how much you chant or make noise, I will still state my position for the Speaker to give his ruling.”

“We will not be distracted,” the Majority Leader stressed. “I will let Ghanaians know that you are only pretending to be democrats… How can the Speaker rule if he has not heard all sides?” He argued that the Minority could express their concerns in a more “decorous and responsible” manner.

Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh countered, stating that government business “will suffer” until the Kpandai matter is resolved.

The situation escalated after Annoh-Dompreh’s remarks. Despite the Speaker’s attempts to continue, Minority MPs rose from their seats, moved to the centre of the chamber, and began chanting objections. This led to a confrontation as MPs from both sides converged, requiring the intervention of parliamentary marshals to restore order.

Witnesses described scenes of angry gesticulations and raised voices as lawmakers clashed. Proceedings were temporarily suspended while the Speaker attempted to regain control of the House.

The incident represents one of the most turbulent sessions of the current parliamentary term, highlighting the growing divide between the two sides stemming from the Kpandai ruling, which originated from a decision by the Tamale High Court.

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