Kwame Jantuah, a senior member of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), has appealed to the Minority caucus in Parliament to return to their seats and de-escalate tensions following the Supreme Court’s ruling against Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare four seats vacant.
Speaking during an interview on TV3 on November 15, Mr. Jantuah highlighted the need to prioritize the passage of critical bills, including the temporary budget required for the transition to the next government in January 2025. He called on Speaker Bagbin to recall Parliament to address these pressing legislative matters.
“The Supreme Court has made its decision. Let the sleeping dog lie. There are important bills to be passed before Parliament rises. One of them is the temporary budget for handover. I plead with the Speaker to recall Parliament and allow the legislative process to continue,” he stated.
Addressing the Minority, he said, “NDC, you’ve made your point. Ghanaians who support you will continue to do so; those who don’t will remain unchanged. Please return to your seats and let Parliament work.”
Mr. Jantuah also cautioned the Majority caucus against celebrating the ruling in a manner that could provoke further dissatisfaction among their colleagues in the Minority.
“The NPP shouldn’t walk into Parliament and celebrate. That would only arouse more dissension,” he warned.
The Supreme Court’s ruling, delivered on November 12 and detailed on November 14, overturned Speaker Bagbin’s decision, ruling that a parliamentary seat can only be declared vacant if a lawmaker officially switches political parties while retaining their seat. The decision will not take effect during the current parliamentary term.
However, the ruling was not unanimous, with two dissenting justices arguing that the Supreme Court lacked jurisdiction to decide on the matter, exposing divisions in the interpretation of the Court’s authority.
