The recent declaration by Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, which resulted in four parliamentary seats being declared vacant, has sparked considerable controversy.
Critics, including Professor Ransford Gyampo, argue that this move is beyond the Speaker’s constitutional authority and violates Article 99 of the 1992 Constitution.
Gyampo asserts that only the High Court has the jurisdiction to determine the validity of parliamentary membership, not the Speaker or political parties.
The MPs affected by this declaration include Cynthia Morrison and Kwadwo Asante, both of whom filed to run as independent candidates, as well as Andrew Asiamah Amoako, who is running for the NPP after previously serving as an independent MP.
Gyampo contends that declaring seats vacant when fresh elections cannot be promptly held undermines the representation of constituents and goes against the spirit of the law, which aims to prevent political instability and opportunistic shifting of allegiances among MPs.
This situation has led to accusations of political maneuvering, with some claiming that the Speaker’s actions align with partisan interests, particularly in light of the upcoming elections.
The Majority Caucus has expressed their intent to boycott parliamentary proceedings until the matter is resolved by the Supreme Court, indicating a significant rift in parliamentary operations.
As the political landscape in Ghana continues to evolve with these developments, the implications for governance and representation in the lead-up to the elections are increasingly critical.
