On Thursday, November 30, 2023, a mere four out of 137 Members of Parliament affiliated with the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) attended the Chamber as proceedings unfolded, raising eyebrows about the conspicuous absence of the majority of NPP MPs.
Sources close to the Majority caucus revealed that these MPs were instructed to stay away from today’s session, a strategic move amidst the ongoing attempts to clarify the status of the 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Policy.
The four representatives present were key leaders of the Majority side, including Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh Dompreh, and Second Deputy Whip Habib Iddrisu.
Despite the prominence of the budget approval on the day’s order paper, the vote on its approval has been rescheduled to the following week. This decision comes in the aftermath of the chaotic events that unfolded during the previous day’s sitting, leading to the suspension of proceedings by Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.
During the crucial moment when the Speaker was about to rule on the voice vote in favor of the ‘Ayes,’ a Deputy Minority Leader Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah timely challenged the decision. He advocated for a headcount instead of relying on the voice vote.
The Speaker acquiesced to the demand for a headcount, sparking a tense episode in the House.
Members from the Majority side vehemently objected to the suggestion, leading to escalating tensions.
The fate of the budget approval remained uncertain as the House reconvened on Thursday, November 30, with the lingering question of whether a determination on the budget’s status would finally be reached. But a vote on it has been slated for next week.
