Speaker Trashes Ayariga’s Call Over Late Akwatia MP’s Seat

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has overruled Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga after he called for the Akwatia seat to be declared vacant, barely two weeks after the passing of the late Member of Parliament, Ernest Yaw Kumi.

Ayariga’s call came during parliamentary proceedings on Thursday, July 17, 2025, where he questioned why the seat had not yet been declared vacant and when Parliament would notify the Electoral Commission so that steps toward a by-election could begin.

He argued that since Parliament had already acknowledged the MP’s death during a visit to the family, the next steps should follow.

But Speaker Bagbin firmly shut down the request. He explained that Parliament could not proceed without formal communication from the late MP’s family, as required by procedure. Until then, no action could be taken.

“That is not sufficient bases for you saying that a vacancy has occurred, there must be further evidence because those people you meant might turned out not to be the family, or head of family or linguist under cross examination.

You would want some authority, some evidence, do not forget that the constitution talks about in writing, the writing will state that he person is no more and it occurred on this date, the Electoral Commission can start counting from that date, and in case of death 60 days there must be election,” Speaker Bagbin explained.

Despite the Speaker’s ruling, the Member of Parliament representing Bawku Central constituency, Ayariga went on to claim that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had already printed and circulated campaign posters featuring Mavis Kumi, the widow of the late MP, suggesting she would contest the expected by-election.

This statement angered the Minority side of the House, who saw it as disrespectful and politically motivated during a time of mourning. In protest, they staged a peaceful walkout.

Speaking to the press after the walkout, Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, MP for Weija-Gbawe, strongly condemned the Majority Leader’s actions, calling them cold and heartless.

“The Majority Leader found today, of all days, to remind us of the very devastating news that we had on the 7th of July, 2025. Why? The Majority Leader is already calling for an election. We are just now aware that he is already the Electoral Commissioner. He made a submission on the floor, and the Speaker ruled him out. He still did not see the insensitive nature of losing a friend and a colleague who had to fight to get to this Parliament.”

He continued with visible frustration and sadness, saying:

“All that the Majority Leader is thinking about is an election. All that the Majority Leader is thinking about is to show the world that he, Leader of Parliament of Ghana’s business, is insensitive. We are here, and we are wondering: do we even have friends? We are wondering: do we have colleagues? Does he think about anybody’s health? Does he think about the family of our very loving friend, Yaw Kumi, and colleague?”

Shaib emphasised that respect and unity should be shown regardless of party affiliation.

“It does not matter whether you are NPP or NDC. But we always thought and believed that we cared for ourselves. Today, the Majority Leader has showed us that it’s each one for himself, God for us all. It is so sad; it is so insensitive. We are crying, we are mourning, and the Majority Leader comes today to tell us that NPP has already had posters out there, when in fact and in truth, that is not the case.”

He clarified that their walkout was not directed at the Speaker.

“We are lost for words. We need you to understand that this walk-out we have staged is not out of disrespect to the Right Honorable Speaker in particular.”