The Supreme Court of Ghana has reinstated the ruling party’s majority

On Tuesday, Ghana’s Supreme Court determined that the speaker of parliament’s announcement declaring four seats as vacant was unconstitutional, thereby reinstating the ruling New Patriotic Party’s majority in the legislature in anticipation of the Dec. 7 election.

The leader of the NPP caucus, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has submitted a petition to the highest court in the West African nation, seeking to overturn the ruling made by Speaker Alban Bagbin.

Bagbin announced that two lawmakers from the NPP and one from the National Democratic Congress have vacated their seats upon registering to run as independents in the election.

Another lawmaker, aligned with the NPP, has registered to contest the vote as a candidate for the NPP.

Bagbin’s decision altered the parliamentary majority, giving the NDC 136 seats compared to outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo’s NPP, which holds 135 seats.

Two subsequent parliamentary sessions were postponed indefinitely, resulting in a delay in presenting a provisional budget for the first quarter of 2025, as well as the approval of Supreme Court nominations, loans, and bill enactments.

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo announced in a televised ruling that Afenyo-Markin’s appeal was successful with a majority decision of 5:2. She added that the court will provide the reasons for its decision at a later time.

Afenyo-Markin stated that the ruling enabled parliament to return to its regular functions. A $250 million World Bank loan is anticipated to be approved, focusing on strengthening the financial sector and offering tax relief to businesses, among other initiatives.

Bagbin’s spokesperson has not provided a response to the request for comment.

Opinion polls suggest that main opposition leader John Dramani Mahama is poised to overcome NPP candidate and current Vice President Muhamudu Bawumia in next month’s election, though some analysts expect a highly competitive race.