The Supreme Court of Ghana is set to rule on the controversial matter involving the four parliamentary seats declared vacant by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin tomorrow, Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
The case involves four contested parliamentary seats and centres on constitutional interpretations and parliamentary authority, which has sparked intense debates between the two parliamentary caucuses in parliament..
The Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Esaaba Araba Sackey Torkornoo, following the presentations from both the plaintiff and the attorney general, confirmed the court’s readiness to deliver its verdict. “We are prepared to bring clarity to this matter,” she affirmed, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming decision.
Absence of Speaker Representation
However, in a very surprising event, the Speaker’s legal representatives were absent during today’s hearings, raising concerns about adherence to judicial protocols in a case of significant impact.
Again, the legal team for Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin did not submit their statement of defence. Private legal practitioner, Thaddeus Sory, who represents the Speaker, was notably absent without explanation.
Given the high stakes of the case, which could alter the balance of power in Ghana’s Parliament, the Speaker’s involvement was expected to shed light on legal interpretations concerning the seats in question.
The Attorney-General, who also serves as the Minister for Justice, expressed frustration at Mr. Sory’s absence, accusing the Speaker’s legal team of failing to fulfil its obligations and deeming this “disrespectful to the judicial process.”
He argued that their non-participation undermines the judiciary’s authority in a case of national significance. “The absence of the Speaker’s legal team and their failure to submit necessary documents demonstrate a lack of respect for the judicial process,” he stated, urging the court to take a firm stance, adding “This kind of conduct in such a vital matter cannot be overlooked.”
The Supreme Court’s impending decision is highly anticipated, as it could redefine parliamentary representation in Ghana and clarify public officials’ constitutional responsibilities regarding seat disputes.
Speaker Accused of foiling Dialogue amidst Parliamentary Stalemate
Meanwhile, Majority Leader and Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin shared his disappointment over failed efforts to engage Speaker Bagbin in dialogue aimed at resolving the impasse.
Speaking following the court proceeding today, Hon. Afenyo-Markin detailed his concerns over the Speaker’s apparent unwillingness to be engaged.
“I have made several attempts to reach the Speaker. I called numerous times after the Supreme Court suspended the Speaker’s declaration of the seats as vacant. I even visited his residence, only to be told he was sleeping.”
Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin, MP Effutu Constituency
The Majority Leader noted that his outreach was not an isolated effort; prominent bodies such as the Council of State, the Peace Council, and influential chiefs have also sought to mediate without success.
According to Hon. Afenyo-Markin, these attempts being rebuffed by the Speaker have added to the already tense situation.“This is a major issue affecting parliamentary function and representation, and it’s disheartening that every effort at dialogue has been ignored,” he remarked.
For many Ghanaians, tomorrow’s ruling could be a landmark moment, potentially altering the balance of power between Parliament and the judiciary.
The outcome could affirm the judiciary’s oversight role over parliamentary actions or, alternatively, solidify Parliament’s independence regarding internal affairs.
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