Ghana’s Supreme Court has rejected Speaker Alban Bagbin’s appeal to overturn its earlier ruling that suspended his declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant. This decision comes after Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin filed a suit against Speaker Bagbin’s declaration on October 17.
The vacant seats controversy has sparked a heated debate about the Speaker’s powers and the judiciary’s role in parliamentary decisions. Speaker Bagbin’s application aimed to nullify the Supreme Court’s decision that temporarily halted his ruling on the four seats. However, the Chief Justice emphasized that the court’s intervention was necessary to prevent “irreparable harm” to the constituencies and ensure that hundreds of thousands of Ghanaians are not left without representation.
The Supreme Court’s ruling also addressed concerns about the potential conflict of interest raised by Thaddeus Sory, counsel for the Speaker, regarding Justice Ernest Gaewu’s past role as a parliamentary candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The court dismissed this objection, reaffirming its initial decision.
The Supreme Court’s ruling allows the four MPs to continue their duties until the case is resolved. The decision holds significant implications for the balance of power in Parliament, as both sides currently claim a majority. Speaker Bagbin expressed concerns that the court’s intervention threatens Ghana’s constitutional separation of powers.
The Supreme Court’s decision underscores the importance of ensuring the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process and upholding the Constitution.
The Supreme Court generally avoids interfering in parliamentary rule interpretation, adhering to a principle known as the **doctrine of parliamentary privilege.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
