What began as a routine parliamentary sitting descended into heated exchanges and an eventual Minority walkout after a debate erupted over the delayed declaration of the Akwatia seat as vacant following the death of its MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi.
The drama unfolded after Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga made an urgent statement, seeking guidance from Speaker Alban Bagbin on when the seat would be formally declared vacant.
Citing Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution, Mr Ayariga argued that once Parliament was officially informed of the MP’s passing, the Clerk of Parliament was constitutionally obligated to notify the Electoral Commission within seven days and trigger a by-election within 30 days.
“The decision of my colleague, the Minority Leader, to inform the House of the MP’s passing raises serious constitutional matters,” Mr Ayariga said.
“People are asking whether the Clerk has written to the Electoral Commission as required.”
Responding, Speaker Bagbin pushed back, insisting that formal communication must come through official channels and with verified evidence of death.
He clarified that he is the one who directs the Clerk to notify the Electoral Commission, not individual MPs.
“The Clerk doesn’t act on media reports or verbal statements,” Speaker Bagbin said.
“He acts on the direction of the Speaker, based on official communication and evidence.”
However, Mr Ayariga maintained that the Clerk had already accompanied MPs to the family home of the deceased, where they received confirmation of his death.
“We were received by the family, who confirmed the MP’s passing in the presence of the Clerk. That was public and official enough,” Mr Ayariga argued.
“The Clerk became aware, and by the Constitution, he should have acted.”
Tensions escalated when Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, whose caucus had earlier announced the MP’s death in Parliament, accused Mr Ayariga of being insensitive.
“This is a very sad time,” the Minority Leader said.
“Let us not create the impression that someone is rushing or showing no regard for the gravity of this loss.”
But the Majority Leader fired back, stating that the Minority had themselves provided detailed information, including the hospital, time of death, and medical confirmation, and that no one was acting out of disrespect.
“This is not about insensitivity,” he said. “It’s about constitutional duty.”
Unable to reach a consensus, the Minority Caucus staged a walkout.
“We regret to say that the issues raised on the floor today appear very insensitive to us,” the Minority Leader declared.
“We are withdrawing from today’s proceedings.”
The Akwatia seat remains unfilled nearly two weeks after the MP’s death, and it remains unclear when the Electoral Commission will be formally notified to initiate a by-election.
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