Parliamentary Standoff: Speaker Bagbin rejects service of writ, returns documents to courts

Oct 28, 2024 - 14:55

Oct 28, 2024 - 17:38

Parliamentary Standoff: Speaker Bagbin rejects service of writ, returns documents to courts

Alban Bagbin is Ghana's speaker of Parliament

Accra, Ghana - October 28, 2024 - The Parliament of Ghana has formally rejected a lawsuit seeking interpretation of Article 97(1) of the 1992 Constitution, citing improper service by bailiffs.

Speaker Alban Bagbin has rejected the service of a writ on Parliament and directed officers to return the documents served on the House to the courts.

He emphasized that the service violated Article 117, which prohibits court processes on parliamentarians during official duties. This move reinforces Parliament's independence and sanctity.

The rejection comes amid controversy surrounding four vacant parliamentary seats. The Supreme Court recently granted a stay of execution on Speaker Bagbin's ruling, allowing the affected MPs to continue representing their constituencies.

The parliamentary leadership expressed concern over the lawsuit, reiterating commitment to upholding constitutional provisions protecting parliamentary proceedings.

Tensions within Parliament escalated, leading to an adjournment on October 22. National Democratic Congress legislators occupied the Majority side of the Chamber after NPP MPs walked out over disputes on majority status.