One Ghana, two majority leaders - Occasional Kwatriot Kwesi Yankah writes

Tempers are high in Ogyakrom.

Never seen such turmoil at the floor of  parliament: the bulging eyes of Majority Leader fighting back an attempt by the Speaker to diminish him to Minority. 

The Rt Hon Speaker Bagbin had formally declared four seats vacant, reducing the majority status, and giving Ato Forson’s minority an overnight  elevation.  

Afenyo Markin, Majority Leader would not hear that. He sprang to his feet and spoke in fury; he spat fire and almost dispensing civilities, indulged the Speaker in hot exchanges, battling him on a writ frustrated  by the Speaker’s office. The shouting dialog compelled the

Speaker to wind up, finally ordering a charged Majority Leader to resume his seat. 'Please resume your seat,' but Afenyo would not budge; he took that as a wink to lead a majority walkout on the House.

The dramatic protest march paved the way for a liberated Minority to now heave a sigh of relief and start a thanksgiving celebration: vote of thanks; the Good Lord had listened to their prayer, thanks to the Almighty, and the good people of Ghana. They had finally gotten the change they prayed for.  

The unfolding good news reached Flagbearer Dramani on the campaign trail; who broke the news to joyous crowds, and lifted hopes that this was a sign of change coming.

A new day had dawned; a  brand new Majority leader Cassiel Ato Forson  cometh; brand new smiles. New faces were whispered and penciled into key positions in parliament.  A new majority would be inaugurated this Tuesday, and the old order given certificates of participation, and a handshake. The new majority went farther, and quietly whispered a secret  agenda: to instantly liberate the masses through a repeal of killer taxes like E-Levy; this would allow God’s own Ghana to heave a sigh of relief, and vote wisely come December 7th. 

As all that happened, a Supreme Court was eavesdropping, wide-eyed; and saying,  ‘A new Majority group for the where?’ in Ghanaian parlance. The whole matter had been laid before the Supreme Court, and until their word was out, the Speaker’s ruling should be considered as ‘full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.’  ‘Minority, verily resume thy humble seats, until God has exalted you.’ 

Soon after the Supreme Court reversal last Friday, came the Efutu Boy, Afenyo Markin and his peers to meet the press, all of them sporting dimpled smiles. Their position as majority had been restored by the Supreme Court until further notice. To all this, a ruffled opposition has of late hit back, daring the Supreme Court to come to Parliament themselves this Tuesday and usher legislators to their rightful seats. 

That also means in a sense, One Ghana has two majority leaders in Parliament (Afenyo Markin and Ato Forson), and no minority until the Supreme God has finally spoken. 

Coming Tuesday the drama peaks, and it is unknown how many majority leaders will show up, and whether  there would be enough room on the right hand of God to seat 275 lawmakers.

As for the minority seats, these would be empty and virtually left at the mercy of visiting lizards and the Zoom Lion.

Writer's email: kyankah@ashesi.edu.gh