Speaker Was Right, Our Leadership Was Wrong – Kennedy Reacts to NPP’s Boycott of Parliament

Former Assin Central Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong has provided an explanation for the absence of New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmakers from parliamentary proceedings before the Speaker of Parliament adjourned the House indefinitely.

Speaking to journalists after the adjournment, Agyapong rejected claims that the NPP caucus had intentionally boycotted parliamentary business. He explained that the lawmakers were attending an internal caucus meeting when the Speaker decided to suspend proceedings because there were not enough MPs present to continue with the day’s business.

According to the former MP, the caucus meeting took longer than anticipated. While the lawmakers were still discussing matters internally, news reached them that the Speaker had already adjourned Parliament indefinitely. This, he said, created the impression that the NPP members had deliberately stayed away from the chamber.

Agyapong insisted that the absence was not part of any planned boycott. He explained that the lawmakers had gathered to reach an understanding with the Speaker but were surprised when they learned that parliamentary proceedings had been brought to an indefinite halt.

He also suggested that the Speaker may not have known that the NPP MPs were holding an internal meeting at the time. However, Agyapong clarified that he was not a member of the party’s leadership and therefore could not confirm whether the Speaker had been formally informed about the gathering before the adjournment.

Despite defending his colleagues, the former lawmaker admitted that the situation could have been avoided through better communication. He argued that the NPP leadership should have officially notified the Speaker about the caucus meeting so that the lawmakers’ absence would not be misunderstood.

The development has generated considerable discussion among Ghanaians, particularly on social media. While some people have questioned whether the absence was genuinely accidental or a deliberate political strategy, others have accepted Agyapong’s explanation that the situation resulted from poor communication.

The indefinite adjournment has also raised concerns about the smooth operation of Parliament and the importance of maintaining effective communication between the Speaker’s office and parliamentary caucuses.

As the situation continues to attract attention, Ghanaians are awaiting further clarification from the NPP leadership and the Speaker, particularly regarding when parliamentary proceedings will resume.

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