By Daniel Bampoe
Parliament was thrown into political tension on Thursday, July 17, 2025, after the Minority staged a dramatic walkout in protest over what they describe as an “insensitive and premature” attempt by the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, to push for the declaration of the Akwatia parliamentary seat as vacant—barely two weeks after the passing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for the area, Ernest Yaw Kumi.
The late MP passed away under circumstances that have yet to be publicly disclosed, but tributes and condolences have poured in from across the political divide.
Leadership of Parliament, including Speaker Alban Bagbin, recently visited the bereaved family to commiserate with them, marking an initial moment of unity in mourning.
However, that unity fractured dramatically on the floor of Parliament on Thursday.
Ayariga Sparks Outrage
Rising during proceedings, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga sought clarity from Speaker Bagbin on when the House would formally declare the Akwatia seat vacant in accordance with Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the Clerk of Parliament to notify the Electoral Commission within seven days of a confirmed vacancy.
“Whenever a vacancy occurs in Parliament, the Clerk of Parliament shall notify the Electoral Commission in writing within seven days after becoming aware. Mr. Speaker, if Ghanaians ask the Clerk if he is aware or not, can he say he is not aware?” Ayariga questioned.
He referenced the House’s official acknowledgment of the MP’s death and noted that both the Clerk and leadership had visited the deceased’s residence and received direct confirmation from family members—on camera.
Ayariga further stoked controversy when he alleged that campaign posters of the late MP’s widow, Mavis Kumi, had already been circulated, suggesting that the NPP was preparing for a by-election even before the official processes had commenced.
The Minority caucus did not take Ayariga’s comments lightly.
They described his remarks as not only hasty but disrespectful to the grieving family. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin responded with stern disapproval, stating:
“Let’s be sensitive about the situation and not create a wrong impression. This is not the time for political maneuvering.”
He stressed that the House had not yet received official communication from the family of the late MP, which, according to parliamentary procedure, is a prerequisite before the seat can be declared vacant.
Speaker Bagbin echoed this sentiment, stating emphatically:
“In writing to the Electoral Commission about a vacancy caused by the death of an MP, the Clerk needs more than a visit to the family.”
Alban Bagbin affirmed that Parliament must await formal notification from the family in writing before proceeding with any action related to the vacant seat.
In response to Ayariga’s persistence, Afenyo-Markin declared that the Minority would withdraw from proceedings in protest.
“Mr. Speaker, we are staying away from the proceedings of the House,” he announced before leading his colleagues out of the chamber.
Press Conference and Aftermath
Shortly after walking out, the Minority held a press briefing outside the chamber to express their displeasure with the Majority Leader’s handling of the matter.
They described Mahama Ayariga’s call as “politically opportunistic” and accused the NPP of attempting to capitalize on a tragedy for electoral advantage.
While the Majority is yet to issue an official statement following the walkout, the unfolding events have raised concerns about deepening partisan divisions in the legislature, even in times that traditionally demand unity and compassion.
Constitutional and Political Context
According to Ghana’s Constitution, once a parliamentary seat is declared vacant due to death, a by-election must be held within 60 days.
However, the process must be initiated by the Clerk of Parliament through formal correspondence with the Electoral Commission—something that cannot be done based on media reports or informal confirmations alone.
With the Akwatia seat now empty, Parliament’s numerical balance is momentarily affected.
