Dr Ato Forson, Minority Leader Turned Majority Leader
Ghana’s Parliament has been flipped on its head, thanks to the NDC’s Haruna Iddrisu and the bold move by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. Speaker Alban Bagbin has crowned the NDC as the new top dogs in the House, booting out four MPs and leaving the NPP on the back foot.
Dr. Ato Forson, who’s gone from Minority Leader to the man in charge, was quick to celebrate the Speaker’s call, transforming it into a massive win for his party. He’s not holding back, declaring the NDC as the new ‘Majority Caucus’ in Parliament.
In a no-nonsense Sunday press conference, Forson roared: “We’re the majority now, and we’ll fight like hell to keep it!” With a narrow 136-135 edge over the NPP, he’s ready to go full throttle, promising that the NDC will stand firm and make good on their word. “We won’t be pushed around, and we sure as hell aren’t backing down!” he fired back.
The Speaker, Alban Bagbin, caused a political earthquake with his decision to declare four seats vacant, shifting the power balance entirely. Forson, seizing the moment, says it’s all fair game and well within Bagbin’s constitutional rights. So, what’s the new setup? No more Independent MP in Parliament. NPP’s numbers drop to 135. NDC jumps ahead with 136. Oh, and the 2nd Deputy Speaker’s seat? Still empty! The Speaker’s move leaves the NPP—once the mighty ruling party—scrambling as they now officially become the ‘Minority Caucus’. Forson was quick to remind them of their demotion according to Parliament’s Standing Orders. “NPP, you’re now the second fiddle in this house!” he gloated.
Forson’s not just celebrating; he’s making big promises too. With their fresh majority, he’s vowing to scrap the hated e-Levy and the much-criticised betting tax, accusing the NPP of “squeezing the life out of ordinary Ghanaians” with their heavy-handed tax policies. “They’ve made Ghana a high-tax nightmare, killing off businesses and emptying the pockets of our people. We’re here to fix that!” he said, hammering home the NDC’s pitch as the true defenders of the public.
Forson wasn’t shy about singing Speaker Bagbin’s praises, calling him a “true leader” who’s acted “fairly and legally” throughout the process. With a 32-year track record in Parliament, Forson believes Bagbin is the man for the job and urged Ghanaians to rally behind him. He didn’t hold back, saying, “We stand by Bagbin 100%. Ghanaians should support him, as he protects the dignity of Parliament against any underhanded tricks.” His message? This fight is for Ghana’s democracy, and the NDC’s ready to defend it.
With Parliament’s power dynamics flipped on its head, the NPP now faces a harsh reality: they’re no longer calling the shots. Forson’s NDC plans to use its newfound strength to reshape laws and slash taxes, all while taking on their political foes head-on. Forson’s not backing down, and with the 2024 elections looming, this is just the start. He’s promising fireworks, insisting that the NDC is “in Parliament for the ordinary Ghanaian” and that they’ll use their new majority to give the people what they need. The battle lines are drawn, and with the NDC in the driver’s seat, the question is: can the NPP fight back, or is it game over for their dominance in Parliament?
About The Author
