A labour analyst, Austin Gamey, has asserted that he can mediate the ongoing dispute between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over which side of Parliament holds the majority, offering to resolve the issue within three hours.

Speaking in an interview with Joy FM on Friday, November 8, 2024, Gamey revealed that he had initially reached out to key parliamentary leaders to propose his mediation services but did not receive a response.

"I anticipated this problem would persist without resolution. I wrote to the Speaker and Afenyo-Markin, suggesting that I could mediate since they are deeply engrossed in this matter. I offered to spend one and a half hours each with the Minority and Majority sides, then bring them and the Speaker together, and within three hours, we will go through this process to have this matter resolved," he noted.

Despite the initial silence, he mentioned that one side of the House has recently shown interest in his mediation services.

"Some have reached out via phone and WhatsApp. Once they are willing, I guarantee we can resolve the matter within three hours," he affirmed.

He emphasized the importance of a skilled mediator in such politically charged issues, pointing out the risks of involving individuals without professional mediation expertise.

"I guarantee you the big people going to lament and express concern are not mediators. They cannot mediate in this matter, and you don't need a body to go there and talk about why don't you apologize? A mediator will take them through the stages within some hours because I need one and a half hours to get the thoughts of NPP leadership and bring them back."

Background

Controversy arose after the Supreme Court stayed the Speaker's decision to declare four seats vacant, following the affected MPs' decision to "cross the carpet" by filing to contest the December 7, 2024, parliamentary elections in different capacities—either as independents or on the tickets of other political parties.

This action diverges from the basis on which these MPs were originally elected to the House. The affected seats include those held by Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Amoako Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central).

Both sides of the House are now locked in a battle over which party holds the Majority, as the Supreme Court ruling positions the NDC in the Minority while the Speaker's ruling places the NPP in the Minority.

The core contention centres on whether the Supreme Court has the authority to restrict parliamentary decisions.

JKB/GA

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