You're setting Ghana on fire, demonstrate statesmanship

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus in Parliament has accused Speaker Alban Bagbin of inflaming political unrest in Ghana.

Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, addressing the press on Thursday, November 7, expressed deep disappointment with Bagbin’s recent actions, particularly his press conference, which he described as “non-reconciliatory” and damaging to the country’s democratic processes.

Afenyo-Markin’s criticism follows Bagbin’s claims on Wednesday, where he accused both the President and the Judiciary of colluding to undermine the authority of Parliament.

This followed Bagbin’s controversial declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant, a decision that was later stayed by the Supreme Court.

These developments have sparked significant tensions, with the NPP accusing the Speaker of exacerbating political divisions in the country instead of resecting of respecting the Supreme Court ruling and directing the NDC MPs to occupy their designated seats in the Chamber.

“The Speaker is setting the country on fire,” Afenyo-Markin declared, stressing the need for Bagbin to adopt a more statesmanlike approach to resolve the crisis. He urged the Speaker to recognize the gravity of his role and the responsibility it entails.

“We want Mr. Speaker to know that although we were not happy on the day he was elected, some of our colleagues perhaps had seen something good in him,” Afenyo-Markin continued.

His remarks reflect growing frustration within the majority caucus, who feel that Bagbin’s actions are undermining democracy and failing to foster national unity.

“Mr. Speaker is hurting democracy,” Afenyo-Markin asserted, urging him to reconsider his stance and prioritize reconciliation over escalating tensions. The NPP leader’s comments highlight the deepening rift between the Speaker and the majority caucus, as political turmoil in the country intensifies.