Ghana: Opposition wins majority in National Assembly

A political turning point before the elections

On 18 October 2024, the Speaker of the Ghanaian Parliament announced the vacancy of four parliamentary seats, upending the political balance in the Assembly. This decision allowed the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the main opposition party, to hold a slight majority in the National Assembly, less than two months before the general elections scheduled for December.

The resigning deputies and the Constitution

Of the four MPs concerned, two were members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), one was from the NDC, and the last was an independent MP. All have announced their intention to run in the next general election under different political colours. However, Section 97 of the Ghanaian Constitution prohibits MPs elected under one banner from running for another party during their term, thereby declaring their seats vacant.

Consequences for the legislative process

This change in majority will make the legislative process more complex for the current government, at a crucial time when important reforms and decisions need to be taken before the elections. The political situation in Ghana is therefore even more tense in the run-up to the December polls.

Conclusion: A changing political landscape

The recent swing of the National Assembly in favour of the opposition marks a significant turning point in the Ghanaian political scene. As the general elections approach, this new majority risks complicating the government’s task and reinforcing the electoral stakes, making the situation more uncertain and full of twists and turns.