Tensions are rising as Parliament prepares to reconvene on October 22, 2024, amid worries about a possible military deployment.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has sounded the alarm, claiming that the government intends to deploy soldiers to Parliament. This announcement follows the Speaker of Parliament’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant, a move that has been temporarily halted by the Supreme Court, intensifying political tensions between the NPP and NDC.
NDC Chief Whip Kwame Governs Agbodza cautioned against any military presence, stating that his caucus would strongly oppose such actions.
Mr. Agbodza accused the government of previously deploying the military at the start of the 8th Parliament in 2021, alleging that MPs were assaulted during that incident.
He stated, “We are aware that between yesterday and today, some elements of the government have met again to plan the military’s presence in the precinct of Parliament.”
The Adaklu MP warned that “the life of this government is less than 2 months,” emphasizing that they will need to answer for their actions in 2020 and any future conduct. He cautioned that the people of the country may react strongly to any military presence on Tuesday and beyond.
In response, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has denied any knowledge of plans for military deployment.
In an interview on Joy FM’s Middaynews on Monday, First Deputy Majority Whip Habib Iddrisu stated that there will be no need for military presence in Parliament. He also mentioned that the leadership had not received any information regarding military deployment.
“We in the majority have not been informed about any military presence. The Majority Leader has not been notified of such plans,” he said.
