New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament (MPs) were the first to arrive in Parliament on Monday, December 16, as the House reconvened after nearly two months of political deadlock.

The NPP caucus took over the right-hand side of the Speaker, a position previously occupied by their National Democratic Congress (NDC) colleagues during the last two meetings, where the NDC had insisted they were the majority.

Speaking to journalists after proceedings began, First Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei-Wusu affirmed the NPP MPs’ decision to reclaim their “rightful place” in the chamber.

“Eighth parliament will continue as it started in 2021 before,” Mr. Osei-Wusu stated.

However, Minority MPs from the NDC were yet to make an appearance in Parliament.

Mr. Osei-Wusu further noted that he did not expect all MPs, especially those defeated in the recent elections, to be present as key government business remains on the agenda.

“We will sit where we have sat from 2021, today. Well, what else can you expect? Some people are demoralized. So can I expect everybody to be able to be here? It's normal. From my experience in the last four parliaments, we hardly get full members so I'll not be surprised if we don't get full members.”