‘Micro Minority’ – Empty noises or protecting democracy?

Six months after its commanding victory in the December 2024 polls, the ruling National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) has already registered its intentions in terms of governance; and the extent of the power of the “Micro Minority” (the NPP Minority as described by Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin) is also quite evident.

The fears were understandable – what if after gaining power due to the “anger” of Ghanaians towards the-then ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), and based on the countless promises made to Ghanaians, the NDC chooses to renege on its promises and decides to steamroll the opposition, forcing through detrimental policies? Can the other side of the aisle really stop them?

More critically, has the Minority been reduced to a spectral presence in the 9th Parliament, howling objections into an uncaring emptiness? The reality, while challenging for the Minority, is more complex and holds serious implications for governance.

From deadlock to total dominance

The previous 8th Parliament, the first hung Parliament in the 4th Republic which saw both then ruling NPP and the main opposition NDC register 137 seat each, was an anomaly, forcing unprecedented consensus and compromise.

The current 183-88 split shattered that. Technically, does Parliament need the Minority to operate? For routine business and passing ordinary bills, no. The Majority possesses the crucial quorum and simple majority alone. They can form committees, set the agenda, and pass most legislation without a single Minority vote.

This tectonic shift renders the Minority’s traditional leverage, i.e., withholding quorum or votes for critical bills – largely impotent.

The push back void: The GHS1 fuel levy and beyond

On June 3, 2025, the Minority caucus in Parliament strongly opposed the passage of the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which sought to place a GHC1 levy on every litre of petroleum product. Their arguments? It is “far worse” than their infamous E-levy and will worsen the tax burden on Ghanaians who the Minority claim are already reeling from economic hardship.

Afenyo-Markin’s side staged a walkout during the bill’s approval process. Result? The Majority, capitalizing on their numbers, passed it regardless. While parts of the general public were receptive to the Minority’s objections, these objections were ultimately overridden by the parliamentary math – ‘Majority carries the vote’.

Key budget allocations in the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic policy or policy directions the Minority opposed have largely proceeded. “Unrealistic and underfunded”, that was how the Minority described the budget when it was presented before Parliament for debate.

Former Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Karaga, Dr. Amin Adam led the charge in criticizing the budget as lacking credibility due to “inconsistencies between the main document and its appendices.”

While the Minority usually fiercely debates on issues, the ultimate passage of the Majority’s core agenda is rarely in doubt.

On June 24, Parliament approved all seven Supreme Court Justices nominees by President John Dramani Mahama, in spite of the fierce opposition from the Minority. Despite the “all NO votes” from the side, Parliament eventually approved all seven nominees, who now wait to be officially sworn-in by President Mahama.

Appointments Committee Chairman, Bernard Ahiafor, who doubles as the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, urged the house to unanimously adopt the Committee’s report, despite acknowledging that all members of the Minority Caucus opposed the nominations.

“The committee, therefore, recommends to the House, by majority decision, the adoption of this report and the approval of the nominees,” Committee Chairman cum First Deputy Speaker Ahiafor’s stated.

Such a major decision under the previous 8th Parliament would have resulted in a deadlock, without some cross-over votes, which are very rare on major issues.

Implications of the small numbers?

Reduced Bargaining Power: The Minority cannot credibly threaten to block government business. Their leverage is severely diminished. The NDC’s two-third Majority could conduct usual parliamentary business, passing legislation and approving initiatives without requiring even a single “yeah yeah” from the Minority Caucus.

Limited Ability to Initiate: Driving their own legislative agenda through is near impossible without significant cross-over votes from the Majority.

Has the Majority been a ‘strong-arm’ immovable force?

So far, not entirely. Since taking over power, the Mahama-led NDC side has lived up to expectations, especially, on its tax reform promises, scrapping “controversial” levies, measures to stabilize the local currency and everything pointing to economic recovery, the Majority is keen on not displaying any rampant, unchecked authoritarianism.

Why?

Public Pressure and the Media: Ghana’s vibrant media and civil society act as a crucial check, policies perceived as overly harsh or self-serving face immediate and intense public backlash, forcing the government to re-calibrate. The now-suspended GHC 1 Fuel Levy “due to unfavorable conditions”, best shows the power of the entities watching the government’s every move.

The Electoral Calculus: Having witnessed the “anger” of the Ghanaian voter up-close, resulting in their commanding victory, the NDC is likely to be wary of alienating the electorate with blatantly unpopular or oppressive moves, lest they face worse than what culminated in their victory.

The “Micro Minority”: not spectators, but critical watchers

While legislatively handicapped, the Minority is not irrelevant. Their critical roles of providing essential counter-narrative in debates, exposing potential flaws, corruption, and negative impacts of government policies, shape public opinion and media coverage.

Through parliamentary questions, committee work (even in opposition), and public campaigns, they force the government to explain and justify its actions. Think of their ‘debriefing’ of Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah on the “Rational to Release Generals in the Ghana Armed Forces, Following the 2025 Democratic Transition”, as reported by Citinewsroom.

The Minority has a choice, learn in opposition, move beyond the predictable blanket objections to offering credible alternatives by showing Ghanaians what they would do differently.

Although undeniably weakened in terms of blocking legislation, their importance cannot be overemphasized when it comes to scrutinizing and holding the government accountable. Their power has now shifted from numbers, to the strength of their arguments, their watchful eye, and their ability to channel public discontent.

By: Novire Kuuyizie Francis