Minority Walks Out Over Ayariga’s ‘Insensitive’ Akwatia Comments
Minority condemns Majority Leader’s comments as insensitive and politically motivated
- Minority MPs walked out after Ayariga’s comments on the Akwatia seat vacancy
- Ayariga questioned delays in declaring the seat vacant and cited NPP campaign activity
- Speaker says Parliament must await official family communication before acting
Tensions flared in Parliament on Thursday, July 17, as the Minority staged a walkout following what they described as inappropriate and premature remarks by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga concerning the yet-to-be-declared vacancy of the Akwatia parliamentary seat.
Ayariga, during proceedings, questioned Speaker Alban Bagbin on when the seat—left vacant by the recent passing of MP Ernest Yaw Kumi—would be formally declared vacant. He referenced a visit by parliamentary leaders to the late MP’s family, stating that the death had been acknowledged publicly and on national television.
He argued that, in accordance with parliamentary procedures, the Clerk should notify the Electoral Commission within seven days of becoming aware of the vacancy. Ayariga went further to claim that the ruling NPP had already begun circulating campaign posters of the late MP’s widow, Mavis Kumi, suggesting she intends to run in a potential by-election.
Speaker Bagbin responded that Parliament is yet to receive formal communication from the bereaved family and, therefore, cannot initiate the vacancy process.
The Minority, deeming Ayariga’s remarks insensitive and politicizing a moment of mourning, walked out of the chamber in protest.
