Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, has hailed the Supreme Court’s ruling on Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant as a pivotal moment for Ghana’s democracy.
Speaking to Channel One News on November 12, 2024, Assafuah described the court’s decision as a significant test of Ghana’s Constitution and a key affirmation of the separation of powers within the country’s governance structure.
The ruling came in favor of Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who had challenged Speaker Bagbin’s decision regarding the vacancies in the seats of Suhum, Amenfi Central, Agona West, and Fomena.
Assafuah emphasized that the verdict was not merely a political victory for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), but a fundamental win for Ghana’s democratic processes, as it clarified the interpretation of Article 97 of the 1992 Constitution.
The court’s decision provided clear guidelines on when seats in Parliament can be declared vacant, reinforcing the rule of law and setting an important precedent for handling constitutional matters in the future.
Assafuah further praised the ruling for reinforcing the integrity of Ghana’s parliamentary practices, marking the outcome as a triumph for the country’s democracy.
“I do not think that this is a victory for the NPP for which reason I am supposed to be happy. No, I don’t think so, I believe that this is a test of our constitution and our democracy. It is a victory for our democracy.
“Going forward it means that there has been some amount of finality on what Article 97 is. It is going to serve as some amount of guidance. This is a victory for our democracy not a victory for the New Patriotic Party and the majority caucus”
