Parliamentary proceedings on Tuesday were thrown into disarray as New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority MPs staged a dramatic protest against the declaration of the Kpandai parliamentary seat as vacant. The protest temporarily halted business in the House and highlighted rising tensions over parliamentary protocol and the interpretation of court rulings.
The uproar followed Parliament’s formal notification on Monday, December 8, 2025, to the Electoral Commission (EC) that the Kpandai seat had become vacant, in compliance with a Tamale High Court ruling ordering a rerun of the constituency election. The decision, communicated through a letter from the Clerk of Parliament to the EC Chairperson, Madam Jean Mensa, triggered immediate backlash from the Minority MPs.
Dressed in black, chanting patriotic songs, banging tables, and hooting at parliamentary officials, the Minority MPs sought to prevent Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga from responding to calls for the letter’s withdrawal. The disruption escalated to the point where Speaker Alban Bagbin was forced to suspend proceedings, urging MPs to adhere to the Standing Orders while stressing that the matter could only be addressed after consultation with the House leadership.
Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh described the letter as “out of place” and “unfortunate,” arguing that it undermined the rule of law and insisting that it be withdrawn. The Minority’s protests reflected broader frustrations with what they perceive as procedural overreach in the handling of Kpandai’s electoral representation.
The incident underscores the fragile balance between court-mandated electoral processes and parliamentary operations, with political tensions spilling into the formal workings of Ghana’s legislature. Analysts say the confrontation may set the tone for heightened scrutiny of parliamentary actions relating to election disputes in the coming months.
