Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has affirmed that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will not permit the ‘lawless National Democratic Congress (NDC)’ Members of Parliament to disrupt the peace in Ghana.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, October 22, Afenyo-Markin explained that the NPP MPs’ decision to retreat to their offices was a strategic move to avoid confrontation after tensions erupted in Parliament over seat occupancy.
Earlier that day, NPP MPs vacated the Parliamentary Chamber following the NDC’s decision to occupy the Majority side.
This dispute stems from a ruling by Speaker Alban Bagbin on October 17, which declared four parliamentary seats vacant—a decision contested by the NPP in the Supreme Court, which subsequently granted a stay of execution.
During the press conference, Afenyo-Markin accused the NDC of attempting to provoke the NPP into a physical altercation, asserting that their actions aimed to destabilize the country.
“We won’t allow them to be lawless or disturb the peace of Ghana. Our decision to retreat was to prevent any form of chaos that they were trying to incite,” he stated.
Emphasizing the NPP’s commitment to responsible governance, Afenyo-Markin confirmed that the party would await further directives from Speaker Alban Bagbin before proceeding.
“NPP, our tradition is a law-abiding tradition. Our forebearers have been peaceful. The country is hereby informed that we will not give them [the NDC] that lawlessness platform that they seek.”
“We know innocent Ghanaians are going about their business; we care about them. We understand that there is politics, but we will engage in it civilly. The NPP is a peaceful party. We will not allow anybody to disturb the peace of this country,” he added.
Speaker Alban S.K. Bagbin subsequently adjourned the house indefinitely after a brief session until the Supreme Court gave its ruling on the pending matter of the four vacated seats.