In a pivotal legal decision, the Supreme Court of Ghana has temporarily stayed Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling that declared the seats of four Members of Parliament (MPs) vacant. The MPs affected by this ruling are Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Amoako Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central).
This stay halts the implementation of the Speaker’s decision while the court reviews the case. The ruling has stirred significant political controversy, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the Majority and Minority factions in Parliament.
A panel of justices, led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo and including Justices Mariama Owusu, Kwame Adibu Asiedu, Ernest Yao Gaewu, and Yaw Darko Asare, convened to deliver this ruling.
The affected MPs were represented by lawyers Paa Kwesi Abaidoo and former Attorney General Joe Ghartey. The court not only granted the stay but also directed the Speaker and Attorney General to submit their statements regarding the case filed by Afenyo-Markin by October 15, with a joint memorandum of issues to follow within another week.
The controversy arose after Speaker Bagbin ruled on October 17, based on a motion by former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, citing constitutional provisions that require MPs who change political parties or run as independents to vacate their seats. This decision was based on Article 97(1)(g) of the 1992 Constitution.
Speaker Bagbin’s ruling prompted backlash from the affected MPs and their supporters, who argued that it undermined democratic representation. In anticipation of this ruling, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin filed an urgent request for clarification from the Supreme Court regarding the MPs’ status, given their intentions to contest in the December 2024 elections as either NPP members or independents.
Following Afenyo-Markin’s request for a stay on the Speaker’s ruling, the Supreme Court’s order effectively maintains the current parliamentary composition and ensures the four MPs retain their positions until a final verdict is reached, allowing for the continuity of legislative functions.
Source: DEW360.NET
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