Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament in Ghana, is set to challenge a recent Supreme Court ruling that halted his decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant. This development has sparked controversy and raised questions about the balance of power between the legislative and judicial branches of government.
According to report, Dr. Dominic Ayine, Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga East, Bagbin has instructed his legal team to file processes to contest the court’s decision. Ayine stated, “A void order should not be complied with. A void order is one that lacks any legal basis.”
The Speaker’s office argues that the Supreme Court’s order may be without legal foundation and should be vacated. This move comes after Bagbin declared the seats of four MPs vacant on October 17, citing Article 97 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
The affected MPs are Cynthia Morrison from Agona West, Kwadjo Asante from Suhum, Andrew Amoako Asiamah from Fomena, and Peter Kwakye Ackah from Amenfi Central. These parliamentarians had announced their intentions to contest the upcoming December 7 elections either as independents or on different party tickets.
The Supreme Court’s temporary halt on Bagbin’s decision came following an urgent application by majority leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. He argued that the Speaker’s ruling undermined democratic representation and violated constitutional rights.
Despite the court’s intervention, the Speaker appears determined to maintain his stance. Dr. Ayine explained, “Until then, he believes the status quo should remain unchanged.”
This situation has left the Majority Caucus in Parliament in a state of uncertainty. A representative of the majority expressed frustration over the lack of formal communication from the Speaker’s office.
The MP stated, “Even if it is reported in the media or on social platforms, that service has been affected.” He emphasized that according to parliamentary procedures, the Speaker must officially inform the House if he intends to comply with or challenge the Supreme Court’s directive.
“As it stands, we are not in possession of any official information that the Speaker has complied with the court order,” the MP added. He further stressed that Parliament operates under strict rules and standing orders, and any deviation from established procedures must be properly communicated.
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