KT Hammond urges speaker Bagbin to direct minority MPs to return to their seats

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Following a Supreme Court ruling overturning Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant, Adansi Asokwa MP KT Hammond has called on the Speaker to respect the court’s directive and reinstate the affected MPs.

The Supreme Court’s 5-2 majority ruling upheld a legal challenge filed by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who argued that Speaker Bagbin’s action was unconstitutional.

The seats of MPs Andrew Asiamah (Fomena), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central) had been declared vacant by Bagbin, sparking intense debate in Parliament.

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, presiding over the case, stated that a detailed explanation of the Court’s ruling would be provided soon.

In the interim, the Court has instructed Parliament to reverse the Speaker’s action, emphasizing judicial oversight in upholding constitutional order.

In a press statement after the ruling, KT Hammond expressed his hope that Speaker Bagbin would respect the judgment, stressing that compliance with the court’s decision was essential for maintaining trust in Ghana’s democratic process.

Hammond further noted that the ruling highlighted the judiciary’s role in ensuring the proper balance of powers and upholding constitutional principles.

“I do not agree that a person of his calibre will not respect the ruling of the Supreme Court. Now, it has been put forth by the Supreme Court. The motion filed by the Majority Leader of the house has succeeded and Speaker Bagbin has no choice but to comply.

“Tell Ato and his followers to move back to where they originated from to our seats. We expect that to be done without fail. That is how simple this matter has become,” he stated.