The Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has stated that the party is prepared to take disciplinary action if the Amenfi Central MP, Peter Kwakye-Ackah, moves forward with his decision to run as an independent candidate.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM on October 16, Mustapha Gbande, confirmed that the party's constitution provides clear guidelines on loyalty and conduct.

He emphasised that any member who undermines the party's interest, especially by contesting as an independent candidate, faces suspension and disqualification from future elections.

“So, to the extent that a sitting Member of Parliament has filed to contest as an independent candidate is a straightforward matter and that he stands to be suspended from the party.

“A decision would have to be taken, as it stands now, on one leg, constitutionally he stands to be expelled from the party, on another leg, what if tomorrow he decides to back off his decision?

“I mean he will then come back as a member but as it stands, the party hasn’t taken a decision yet and it doesn’t also mean that he hasn’t been disloyal. He will be expelled from the party if he proceeds,” myjoyonline.com quoted him to have said.

The statement follows recent developments in Parliament, where former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu invoked Article 97(1)(g) of the Constitution.

This clause mandates that an MP's seat be vacated if they exit the party under which they were elected or if they opt to contest as an independent candidate.

The article has stirred debate, as Iddrisu is pushing for the removal of three MPs from the Majority and one NDC MP for filing as independents.

In response, the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has filed an injunction at the Supreme Court to challenge these efforts by the Minority to declare the MPs' seats vacant.

AM/KA

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