Judiciary, Executive colluding to weaken Parliament – Bagbin

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has raised serious concerns over what he describes as a coordinated effort by Ghana’s Judiciary and Executive to undermine Parliament’s authority, framing it as an ongoing power struggle between the government branches.

Bagbin’s allegations follow a recent Supreme Court ruling, which upheld a previous decision blocking him from declaring four parliamentary seats vacant.

This development has intensified the debate over the constitutional boundaries of the Speaker’s powers and the judiciary’s influence in parliamentary matters.

The Speaker had initially filed an application challenging the Supreme Court’s intervention, arguing that Parliament, as a separate branch of government, should retain exclusive authority over its own decisions.

His application also sought to nullify a writ from Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, which called for judicial intervention to prevent further declarations from Bagbin on the disputed seats.

In a media briefing on Wednesday, Bagbin accused the Judiciary and Executive of encroaching on legislative independence, warning that this interference could destabilize Ghana’s democracy.

He emphasized that parliamentary authority, especially concerning its internal matters, should not be subject to judicial control, adding that such interference sets a dangerous precedent that risks eroding the separation of powers enshrined in Ghana’s Constitution.

The Speaker called on Ghanaians to be vigilant about preserving the independence of all branches of government, underscoring the critical role of legislative autonomy in safeguarding democracy.

“The current issues may be likened to power play, and have the potential to undermine our democracy and the authority of Parliament. Its outcome will subvert constitutional powers and the democratic system, which Ghanaians have toiled and sacrificed their lives for.

“Recent acts of the judiciary and I see them as interference to the workings of Parliament. It is becoming increasingly clear that the Judiciary and Executive are seemingly colluding to weaken Parliament.”