Efforts by the Leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to persuade two of its Members of Parliament (MPs) who intend to contest the upcoming general elections as independent candidates have so far yielded no conclusive results, according to the Second Deputy Majority Whip, Hon. Alex Tetteh Djornobuah.
Contrary to circulating reports suggesting that the MPs have reversed their decision, Djornobua, who is also the MP for Sehwi Akotombrah, revealed that neither of the MPs, Hon. Cynthia Morrison, representing Agona West and Kwadjo Asante, representing Suhum has officially communicated a change of heart to the Majority Caucus.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Hon. Djornobua confirmed that discussions had taken place, led by the Majority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin. However, these talks have not yet resulted in any final decision.
“Yesterday, our able Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin, had a discussion with them. It is inconclusive. But I believe that they are still members of the Elephant family. At the end of the day, the appeal from the Leaders, the appeal from the elders, and the appeal from the big men and women of our party who are actually appealing to Cynthia and Kwodjo Asante – I think we should give them some time,” Djornobua said.
The Deputy Majority Whip made these comments while addressing media concerns about the recent recall of Parliament, which came just a day after the Speaker adjourned the House unexpectedly.
The MPs in question, Cynthia Morrison and Kwodjo Asante, have caused concern within the NPP as their decision to run independently could affect the party’s chances to maintain its slim majority in Parliament as well as it’s performance in the upcoming elections.
The current impasse between the two major political parties in Parliament concerning the composition of the House following the declaration of four seats vacant by the Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Bagbin is yet to be resolved with the Supreme Court’s interpretation of Article 97(1)(g) and (h) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
Party leadership is reportedly continuing efforts to bring the MPs back in line with the party’s agenda ahead of the Court verdict and ahead of the 2024 elections.
Source:parliamentnews360.com