Alexander Afenyo-Markin
Parliament witnessed a dramatic turn of events yesterday as the Minority Caucus staged a walkout in protest against what they described as gross insensitivity by the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, over the recent passing of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Akwatia.
The Minority’s action followed moments after Speaker Alban Bagbin vacated the chair to allow the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, to preside over deliberations. The Speaker stepped aside amid rising tensions over calls by the Majority Leader for the Clerk to officially notify the Electoral Commission (EC) of the Akwatia seat’s vacancy – steps that would trigger a by-election within 60 days as prescribed by Article 112(5) of the Constitution.
The Speaker had earlier admonished in handling the matter, stressing that the proper authority and official written confirmation from the family must precede any administrative move by the Clerk. He emphasised that although Parliament had acknowledged the passing of the Akwatia MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi, that alone did not constitute an official basis to declare the seat vacant.
But Majority Leader Ayariga, in raising the matter on the floor, insisted that since the Minority Leader had formally informed the House of the MP’s death, it amounted to notification of a vacancy and required action. He pressed the Speaker to direct the Clerk to comply with the constitutional provision by notifying the EC within seven days of the occurrence.
This demand sparked sharp backlash from the Minority side, who viewed it as premature, disrespectful, and politically motivated.
Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, visibly agitated, recounted that his earlier announcement on the Akwatia MP’s passing was deliberately made with the caveat that it did not amount to official communication for constitutional action.
He said both sides of the House, along with the Clerk, had visited the bereaved family, where they were told that, due to royal tradition, the family must first complete its internal processes before formally informing Parliament.
“This is a very sad situation. Let us not create the impression that somebody is in a rush for political convenience,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin stated and added, “The Speaker has guided us clearly on the constitutional and traditional protocols. What we did was out of respect and humanity.”
The tension escalated when the Speaker vacated his seat, leaving the First Deputy Speaker to take over, prompting the Minority MPs to file out of the chamber in protest. Some MPs were heard accusing the Majority of being more interested in triggering a by-election than respecting the solemnity of the moment.
Speaking to journalists outside the chamber, Second Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, described the Majority Leader’s action as “insensitive and distasteful,” adding that the party would not be part of any proceedings that sought to politicise the death of a sitting MP.
“This is a person – a father, a colleague, a friend who has passed. The Majority Leader’s push to declare the seat vacant barely days after the announcement is beneath the dignity of this House,” the MP said.
Meanwhile, the family of the late MP is yet to issue a formal statement to the House, as traditional rites continue in his hometown. Parliament is expected to revisit the matter once official communication is received and the Speaker gives clearance for further action.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House