The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has rounded on Members of Parliament, saying that they have denigrated the legislature by dragging the Supreme Court into parliamentary affairs. According to him, the emerging trend in which some MPs are resorting to the courts for judgments on matters that should have been resolved within the walls of Parliament was worrying.
This remark by the Speaker has come amidst what appears to be a new liking by MPs for the courts for interpretations of what transpires in the House, a development he said weakened Parliament's independence and consequently contributed to its falling respect.
"Parliament should be a self-regulating body," Bagbin said. "We go to the courts to resolve matters that we should have debated and resolved within this chamber, it shows that we are undermining our own authority and contributing to the disrespect we receive as an institution."
The comments were blistering from a man who thinks some MPs do not understand the principle of separation of powers under the Constitution. He said even as the judiciary plays a very critical role in the interpretation of laws, it must not be called upon to resolve issues that are purely internal to Parliament.
Several Members of Parliament reflected and shared the Speaker's concerns, adding that the role of the judiciary is clear and explicitly defined. They feared that bringing the courts into parliamentary matters may set an unwholesome precedent. Others opposed the view, suggesting that in these matters, for which the Constitution would be breached in case the MPs rights to their powers were infringed upon, it was necessary for the courts to intervene.
This is, however, not a new tension, as disputes have existed previously over the extent of judicial review and parliamentary prerogatives. Those opposing the stance of Bagbin say Parliament needs to be more accountable and its processes more open, while the Speaker's supporters feel that the legislature cannot forfeit self-autonomy.
With the thunder of criticism from Bagbin still reverberating in the House, a debate rages on the relationship between arms of government, with many calling for a strong and independent Parliament.
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