Speaker must respect Supreme Court ruling to stay execution – Afenyo-Markin
Accra, Ghana - October 18, 2024 - In a dramatic turn of events, Ghana's Supreme Court has halted Speaker Alban Bagbin's decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant.
The court's ruling, delivered today, directs Bagbin to suspend his decision, allowing the affected lawmakers to continue representing their constituencies and performing their duties.
Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin expressed his elation at the decision, emphasizing the importance of respecting the law.
The controversy began when Bagbin declared the seats vacant, sparking an application from New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs to stay the Speaker's decision. The application was filed ex parte, enabling the court to consider the request without requiring the Speaker's or Parliament's participation.
Afenyo-Markin cautioned NPP MPs to remain vigilant, as the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) seeks to frustrate their 2024 election bid.
“The court has determined the matter and has ordered the parties to file the necessary processes for the final determination of the matter. That is it. So we expect our colleagues and all those involved in this matter to respect the law, including the right honorable speaker. We don't have any personal qualms with anybody. Ours is the law,” he said.
"Let's go all out to work hard. President Akufo-Addo has done a Yeoman’s job. Of course, we don't have a perfect government, but we have elections to win. If we go all out and win and win massively, this NDC behavior will be a thing of the past," he added.
The Supreme Court's decision was delivered by a panel of justices led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, alongside Justices Mariama Owusu, Kwame Adibu Asiedu, Ernest Yao Gaewu, and Yaw Darko Asare.
This development has significant implications for Ghana's political landscape, particularly with elections looming. The affected MPs are:
- Cynthia Mamle Morrison (Agona West)
- Kwadjo Asante (Suhum)
- Peter Kwakye-Ackah (Amenfi Central)
- Andrew Amoako Asiamah (Fomena)
Source: Lead News Online
