Concerns Mount as Speaker Resists Supreme Court’s Order on Vacant MP Seats

A growing number of individuals have expressed their support for Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to defy the Supreme Court’s order regarding the four vacant parliamentary seats.

The Supreme Court had halted Bagbin’s ruling after Majority Leader and MP for the Effutu constituency, Alex Afenyo-Markin, sought the court’s intervention.

Alongside the National Democratic Congress (NDC) maintaining their stance as the majority, prominent figures in Ghana have rallied behind the Speaker.

Former director of the Ghana Law School, Kwaku Ansa-Asare, criticized the Supreme Court on a TV3 program, condemning its interference in parliamentary affairs as “constitutional lawlessness, provocation of Parliament, and contempt of parliament.”

Anxiety is rising as the probability of a clash between the legislative arm and the judiciary escalates, according to political science lecturer Prof Ransford Gyampo. He foresees potential turmoil in Parliament and believes Speaker Bagbin may assert his authority.

Martin Kpebu, a private legal practitioner, expressed astonishment at the court’s swift action and questioned its jurisdiction over the matter. Meanwhile, MP Mahama Ayariga voiced concerns over the court’s decision, emphasizing that the Supreme Court had overstepped its bounds and that Parliament’s independence must be preserved.

Citing constitutional provisions, Ayariga criticized the Supreme Court’s involvement in legislative matters, insisting that its role is limited to determining violations of the constitution by the Speaker.

He argued that the court’s intervention in this case was unnecessary and raised issues of representation, drawing comparisons to past instances where constituents were left unrepresented.

Disagreements over the Supreme Court’s ruling have further intensified political tensions, with accusations of hypocrisy and double standards from various quarters.

While some anticipate a confrontation in Parliament, others, including Minority Chief Whip Kwame Agbodza, suggest that the Supreme Court may need to enforce its directive within the legislative body.

The divide in opinions among MPs reflects the deep-seated discord surrounding the Supreme Court’s decision.

Despite dissenting voices, some members, such as Vincent Ekow Assafuah and Dr. Palgrave Boakye Danquah from the NPP, maintain that the status quo directed by the court should be followed without disruption.

They argue that the Majority side and the Court acted appropriately under the circumstances.