After the Speaker of Parliament made a significant decision regarding the status of the four parliamentary seats, based on a constitutional mandate, composition, and constitution of parliament and having regard to the public interest and the exigencies of the state affairs under Article Standing Orders 59(1) adjourned the house sine die.
The adjournment followed a detailed review of attendance records, this prompted the Speaker to adjourn the session, allowing time for reflection and further action on the matter.
This ruling has been met with mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a necessary enforcement of parliamentary discipline while others commend the speaker for acting adroitly, the decision also triggered discussions since others had waited patiently to ascertain the political implications of what the Speaker would say in the limelight of the Supreme Court ruling about the matter, particularly in a parliament where the numbers are tightly contested.
The Member of Parliament for Pru East Constituency and a senior member of parliament, Hon. Kwabena Donkor, dissect the unfolding political landscape in Ghana’s parliament.
His remarks, filled with thoughtful reflection on parliamentary procedures, precedent, and the role of the judiciary, underscored his deep understanding of the inner workings of Ghana’s legislative process.
“The the 8th parliament was bathed in confusion. Because of the tightness of the numbers, 137, 137, with one independent member.”
Hon. Kwabena Donkor Member of Parliament for Pru East Constituency and a senior member of parliament
This delicate balance, according to him, created an atmosphere of uncertainty, as each side vied for influence and control over the legislative process.
The unique composition of the parliament meant that every decision had to be carefully navigated, and even the smallest changes in alignment could have significant consequences.
Foreseeing the Situation
Hon. Donkor explained that he had anticipated the challenges that arose when the electoral commission called for candidates to file their nominations.
Drawing on his extensive experience in parliamentary affairs, he foresaw the possibility of political tensions escalating once certain candidates filed to contest under different banners.
“The precedent [set] by the 7th parliament was that, immediately you file on the tickets of another party or as an independent member. You immediately forego your seat.”
Hon. Kwabena Donkor Member of Parliament for Pru East Constituency and a senior member of parliament
This, he indicated, was a well-understood principle, and as soon as the filing process began, it was clear that such a scenario could emerge once again.
The Supreme Court’s Role
“What surprises me most is the haste with which the Supreme Court took. The filing by the former majority leader and in less than 24 hours of filing, the supreme court had met and taken a decision especiallt on ex-parte, normally ex-parte will normally come unoticed”
Hon. Kwabena Donkor Member of Parliament for Pru East Constituency and a senior member of parliament
The quickness of the ruling, combined with the court’s role in making what Donkor referred to as a “political decision,” had profound consequences for the parliament’s already fragile balance of power. He charged; “So, when the Supreme Court takes a political decision, it creates this sort of situation.”
Implications for Parliamentary Precedent and Stability
Hon. Donkor’s reflections on the Supreme Court’s actions highlighted his concern with how judicial decisions can have a significant impact on parliamentary affairs.
With only one independent member holding the balance of power, any small shift in alignment could lead to major disruptions in parliamentary proceedings. He noted; “With the tightness of number, this was bound to happen once candidates, had filed.”
His comments further served as a reminder that in such a closely contested parliament, decisions that may seem procedural or legalistic can have far-reaching political consequences.
Hon. Kwabena Donkor’s reflections provide a valuable perspective on the current political landscape in Ghana’s parliament.
As a senior member of parliament nearing the end of his Parliamentary career, Donkor’s insights reflected his deep understanding of parliamentary precedent and the challenges posed by a closely contested legislative body. His concern about the speed of the Supreme Court’s decision-making process and its implications for parliamentary stability highlighted the delicate balance that exists in the 8th parliament, where every decision is fraught with political significance.
Hon. Donkor’s words offered a cautionary note for those involved in the parliamentary process, reminding them that political decisions made in haste can have long-lasting implications for the stability and functioning of the legislature.
READ ALSO; Kwami Eugene Refutes Claims of Sampling People’s Music
