The Supreme Court is set to deliver a highly anticipated judgment on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, regarding the contentious decision by Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin to declare four parliamentary seats vacant. This decision has sparked a heated debate about the Speaker’s interpretation of the 1992 Constitution and his authority to unilaterally declare seats vacant.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin, leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary caucus, brought the case before the court, challenging Bagbin’s declaration. Afenyo-Markin argues that the Speaker overstepped his constitutional bounds and that only the judiciary has the power to interpret the Constitution in such cases. He also contends that the declaration disenfranchises the affected constituents, denying them proper representation in Parliament.
The dispute began on October 17, 2024, when Bagbin declared the four seats vacant, citing constitutional violations by the Members of Parliament (MPs) in question. However, Afenyo-Markin maintains that Bagbin’s actions bypassed the due judicial process.
In response to the suit, the Supreme Court issued an injunction preventing further actions on the vacated seats until a final judgment is rendered. Bagbin filed a motion to reverse the injunction, but the Supreme Court dismissed it, upholding its previous ruling.
The impending judgment is expected to have significant implications for parliamentary procedures and the balance of power between the Speaker and the judiciary. All eyes will be on the court’s decision, which will likely shape the future of Ghana’s parliamentary landscape.
CNR/Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
