PARLIAMENTARY DRAMA: Businessman takes on Speaker Bagbin

Accra, Ghana - October 25, 2024 - A Ghanaian businessman, Benjamin Yemoh Tetteh, has filed a High Court suit seeking judicial endorsement of Speaker Alban Bagbin's decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant.

Case Background

Speaker Bagbin declared the seats vacant on October 17, citing Article 97(1)(g) of the Constitution, which mandates MPs to vacate their seats if they leave their party or seek to serve as independents. The decision was prompted by a petition from Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

Reliefs Sought

Tetteh's suit seeks:

1. A declaration that Speaker Bagbin's decision aligns with the Constitution.
2. An interlocutory injunction barring the MPs from accessing Parliament.
3. A perpetual injunction preventing their return to Parliament.
4. A court order compelling Speaker Bagbin to exclude them from parliamentary activities.

Affected MPs

The four MPs are:

1. Cynthia Morrison (Agona West)
2. Kwadjo Asante (Suhum)
3. Andrew Amoako Asiamah (Fomena)
4. Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central)

Implications

The case has sparked controversy, with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, challenging Speaker Bagbin's decision. The Supreme Court has ruled that the MPs can retain their positions until a final judgment.

Next Steps

The High Court's decision will have significant implications for Ghana's parliamentary landscape. The case highlights the complexities surrounding MPs' party affiliations and the Constitution's provisions.

Source: Lead News Online