Hon. James Klutse Avedzi, Ketu North MP, has voiced support for Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin after his recent criticisms of the judiciary and executive branches.
Hon. Avedzi echoed Speaker Bagbin’s stance, asserting that the Supreme Court has no authority to intervene in parliamentary matters.
He emphasized that while the legislature and judiciary are responsible for mutual checks and balances, they must respect each other’s distinct roles without interference.
“Bagbin said that ‘both the executive and the judiciary have sinned against the constitution’, and I stand by what he said ‘that they need to be forgiven’. We are equal arms of government and perform checks and balances on each other. The Supreme Court cannot veer into what Parliament is doing”.
Hon. James Klutse Avedzi
In addressing the situation surrounding vacant seats in Parliament, Hon. Klutse Avedzi provided additional context to Speaker Bagbin’s recent remarks.
He clarified that Speaker Bagbin’s announcement regarding the four vacant seats was not intended as a ruling, but rather a formal communication to the members of the House.
This communication, according to Avedzi, was prompted by concerns raised by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the NDC caucus leader, who highlighted the implications of four MPs choosing to sit as independents.
Avedzi further explained that, given the current situation with these vacant seats, the numerical advantage has shifted, resulting in the NDC securing a majority in the House.
He emphasized that with these calculations in mind, the NDC caucus has now assumed the position of the majority in Parliament, underscoring their stance on upholding constitutional principles and parliamentary procedure.
This development has sparked a broader conversation on the balance of power in the House and the interpretation of constitutional guidelines governing MPs’ affiliations and seat status.
Cudjoe Backs Bagbin’s Critique of Judiciary, Executive
Furthermore, Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, also backed Speaker Alban Bagbin’s criticism of the Judiciary and Executive, suggesting that the two branches appear to be colluding to diminish Parliament’s authority.
Cudjoe expressed concern over what he described as a coordinated effort between the Judiciary and Executive to thwart a petition aimed at securing parliamentary representation for the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lolobi, and Likpe (SALL).
He argued that this lack of representation denies SALL communities a voice in the legislative process, highlighting what he views as a broader trend of undermining Parliament’s role and influence.
“It should become clear to everybody now that this whole SALL thing was a deliberate conspiracy between the Executive and the Judiciary as well. If it is not true, they wouldn’t have conspired to prevent us from bringing our case to the Supreme Court.
“And after three years of going through the High Court, the judge sits and says I have no jurisdiction. Can you imagine? So, I think when Speaker Bagbin says the Judiciary and the Executive have conspired to undermine the legislature, it is so true, and this is a perfect classic example.”
Franklin Cudjoe
The President of IMANI Africa went on to criticize the Akufo-Addo administration, accusing it of causing significant harm to both the economy and the environment.
He argued that under this administration, economic policies and management practices have led to financial instability, rising debt levels, and a weakened currency.
Additionally, he highlighted environmental concerns, pointing to issues such as illegal mining, and pollution, which he believes have intensified under the government.
According to him, these challenges have not only harmed Ghana’s natural resources but also threaten the long-term sustainability of the country’s economic and ecological health.“…and now they even want to take the little freedom you have. What is this?”
He also stated that, concerning SALL, if invited to discuss the matter, he would candidly express that the court’s actions were hypocritical and disrespectful in the manner in which it blatantly disregarded SALL’s petition.
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