Parliament on Wednesday suspended its budget debate after a disagreement broke out between the Majority and Minority over whether the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kpandai should be allowed to participate.

The dispute began when the debate floor was handed to the Kpandai MP, Matthew Nyindam.

The Majority Chief Whip, Nelson Dafeamekpor, immediately objected, arguing that the MP was not permitted to take part in parliamentary proceedings because a court had declared his seat vacant and ordered a fresh election.

According to Mr Dafeamekpor, the court’s decision effectively barred the MP from engaging in any business of the House, adding that his continued presence in Parliament violated the constitution. He referenced the precedent of former Assin North MP James Gyakye Quayson, who, he said, complied with a similar ruling and refrained from participating in parliamentary work until his case was resolved.

However, Minority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin firmly rejected the Majority’s position.

Afenyo-Markin argued that the case had been appealed and, until the legal process was concluded, the Kpandai MP remained the duly elected representative of his constituents. He added that when Gyakye Quayson faced a similar challenge, the then-Majority did not prevent him from participating, and the current Minority would not allow such intimidation based on numerical strength.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, who was presiding, ruled that the matter would be referred to Speaker Alban S. K. Bagbin for a final decision. He consequently directed that the debate be suspended and the House move on to other business.

Parliament later adjourned sitting to the following day at noon.