What Power Looks Like: Understanding Ghana’s 2/3 Parliamentary Majority

 

In Ghana’s Parliament, a 2/3 majority means that two-thirds of all Members of Parliament (MPs) must agree (vote) on a decision.

Ghana's Parliament has 275 MPs, so: 2/3 of 275 = 183.33, which means at least 184 MPs are needed to form a two-thirds majority.

When is 2/3 Majority Needed? A 2/3 majority is required for major constitutional or critical decisions, such as:

- Amending certain parts of the 1992 Constitution 

- Approving or removing certain public officers (e.g., Chief Justice, Electoral Commission chair)

- Declaring a state of emergency

- Removing the Speaker of Parliament

So, having a 2/3 majority gives a party or coalition significant power to influence or make high-level legal and constitutional changes.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has now secured a two-thirds majority in Ghana's Parliament after a recent election rerun in Ablekuma North Constituency. This significant win grants them 185 parliamentary seats, allowing the party to:

🟢 Unilaterally Pass Bills: The NDC can now pass laws without needing support from other parties.

🟢 Approve Presidential Appointments: They have the power to approve or reject presidential appointments without opposition input.

🟢 Initiate Constitutional Reforms: Although subject to further legal thresholds, the NDC can potentially initiate constitutional changes and probably amend the constitution to allow his Excellency President John Dramani Mahama to run for President once again he wishes to which has to be approved by a referendum and ratification by a majority of District Assemblies.

Steps to amend the Constitution:

1. Initiate the amendment: The NDC, with their two-thirds majority in Parliament, can initiate the amendment process by introducing a bill to amend Article 66(2).

2. Passage in Parliament: The bill would need to be passed by a two-thirds majority in Parliament (at least 173 votes out of 275).

3. Referendum: If the bill passes with a two-thirds majority, it would then be put to a national referendum, where it would need to be approved by a simple majority of voters.

4. Presidential assent: If the referendum is successful, the amended constitution would then need to be assented to by the President.