The Majority in Parliament has called on Speaker Alban Bagbin to reconvene the House following the Supreme Court’s ruling against his decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant.
This appeal follows a challenge brought by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, which resulted in a 5-2 majority ruling by the Supreme Court, delivered on Tuesday, with Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo presiding.
The court ruled in favour of Afenyo-Markin, effectively overturning Bagbin’s decision.
Afenyo-Markin, in a statement after the ruling, emphasized that the court’s decision provided much-needed clarity on the issue.
He pointed out that the ruling affirmed that the Speaker does not have the constitutional authority to declare parliamentary seats vacant, underscoring the importance of respecting judicial oversight and constitutional processes.
The Majority Leader further called for the swift reconvening of Parliament so that Members of Parliament (MPs) could resume their legislative duties and continue to address the nation’s pressing issues.
Afenyo-Markin noted “I reaffirm my utmost respect for your office and your distinguished service to our nation. This judicial interpretation of our constitution should strengthen, not weaken, the relationship between leadership and members of the House.
“With the highest regard for your wisdom and commitment to our democracy, I respectfully look forward to your exercise of your authority to reconvene Parliament, so that together, we may resume our sacred duty to the people of Ghana without further delay or discord.”
