Bagbin declares four Parliamentary seats vacant, enforces article 97

Accra, Ghana - October 17, 2024 - Ghana's Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin has made a landmark decision, declaring four parliamentary seats vacant with just two months to go until Ghana's December elections.

This ruling effectively prevents the governing New Patriotic Party's (NPP) slim majority from being tipped in favor of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The four affected legislators are Peter Yaw Kwakye Ackah of Amenfi Central constituency (NDC), Andrew Amoakoh Asiamah of Fomena (Independent), Kojo Asante of Suhum in the Eastern Region (NPP), and Cynthia Morrison of Agona West constituency (NPP).

In his ruling, Speaker Bagbin cited Article 97 (1)(g) of the 1992 Constitution, which states that MPs who leave their elected party or attempt to remain in Parliament as independents must vacate their seats. He also emphasized that the previous expulsion of Fomena MP Andrew Amoakoh Asiamah by former Speaker Prof Mike Oquaye was not binding on his decision.

The declaration of these seats vacant follows a petition by NDC MP Haruna Iddrisu, which sparked heated debates within Parliament. The petition targeted three NPP MPs and one NDC MP, highlighting tensions between the ruling party and opposition.

Affected Constituencies:

- Amenfi Central: Peter Yaw Kwakye Ackah (NDC)
- Fomena: Andrew Amoakoh Asiamah (Independent)
- Suhum: Kojo Asante (NPP)
- Agona West: Cynthia Morrison (NPP)

This decision is expected to have significant implications for the upcoming elections and the balance of power in Ghana's Parliament.

Source: Lead News Online