blogpay logo blogpay
logo
Write Articles & Get Paid
blogpay logo
Write & Get Paid

Thursday

November 21st , 2024

FOLLOW US
pc

Jesse Kwao

A week ago

SUPREME COURT TO ISSUING RULING ON DISPUTED VACANT PARLIAMENTARY SEATS THIS TUESDAY

featured img
Politics

A week ago


On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the Supreme Court of Ghana will deliver a landmark judgment concerning a controversial decision by Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin to declare four parliamentary seats vacant. This decision has sparked a significant legal dispute, as Bagbin's move, which he justified as a response to alleged constitutional violations by four Members of Parliament (MPs), is seen by some as an overreach of his powers.
 
The case was brought before the court by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary caucus, who argues that Bagbin's declaration of the seats as vacant bypassed necessary judicial procedures. According to Afenyo-Markin, the Speaker does not have the authority to interpret constitutional matters or make determinations on parliamentary vacancies without judicial oversight. He contends that this responsibility belongs exclusively to the judiciary and that Bagbin's actions denied the affected MPs and their constituents due process.
The dispute centers on Bagbin's interpretation of the 1992 Constitution, which he believes grants him the authority to declare parliamentary seats vacant if MPs fail to meet specific constitutional requirements. Bagbin's announcement, made on October 17, 2024, was based on his assertion that the four MPs had breached certain provisions of the Constitution, warranting their removal from office. However, Afenyo-Markin maintains that Bagbin acted unilaterally, which he believes not only exceeds the Speaker's constitutional authority but also disenfranchises the constituents of the affected MPs, as they are left without proper representation in Parliament.
 
Dr. Bawumia Unveils Free Kidney Dialysis For All NHIS Patients Starting December 1
At the last court session, a procedural complication arose. Thaddeus Sory, the legal counsel for Speaker Bagbin, was absent, and no formal statement of case from the Speaker was submitted to the court. This absence was notable as it came amid the Attorney-General's challenge to Sory's continued representation of Bagbin. The Attorney-General argued that Sory's appointment lacked the necessary approval from the Public Procurement Authority, raising questions about the legality of Bagbin's legal representation in this matter.
To prevent any further actions that could affect the disputed parliamentary seats, the Supreme Court had earlier issued an injunction. This ruling halted Bagbin's declaration of the seats as vacant until the court could reach a final decision on the matter. In response, Speaker Bagbin filed a motion to reverse the injunction, arguing that his declaration was an essential part of his duties to maintain the integrity of Parliament. He asserted that the Supreme Court's injunction hindered his responsibilities as Speaker and prevented him from addressing issues related to parliamentary discipline and accountability.
However, the Supreme Court ultimately dismissed Bagbin's request to lift the injunction, maintaining its original position that no further actions should be taken concerning the vacant seats until a conclusive judgment was reached. This decision effectively preserved the status quo until the court could deliberate and rule on the matter's constitutional implications.
As the Supreme Court prepares to issue its final judgment, the case has garnered significant attention due to its potential impact on Ghana's parliamentary procedures and constitutional interpretation. The court's ruling is expected to clarify the extent of the Speaker's authority in handling parliamentary vacancies and delineate the judiciary's role in interpreting constitutional mandates. The outcome will likely influence future interactions between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, particularly concerning the balance of power within Ghana's democratic system.
In essence, this ruling could redefine the relationship between the Speaker of Parliament and the judiciary in Ghana, setting a precedent for how constitutional disputes within Parliament are handled and establishing clearer boundaries regarding parliamentary authority and judicial oversight.

Total Comments: 0

Meet the Author

PC
Jesse Kwao

Blogger

follow me

INTERSTING TOPICS

Arts & Entertainment Asante Kingdom Autos & Vehicles Beauty & Fitness Books & Literature Business & Industrial Computers & Electronics Education Finance Food & Drink Games Health Hobbies & Leisure Home & Garden Internet & Telcom Jobs & Education Law & Government News Online Communities People & Society Pets & Animals Poetry Politics Real Estates Relationships Religion Science Shopping Sports Technology Travel

RECOMMENDED ARTICLE

PC

Stephen Justice Kwesidu Howard

2 weeks ago

AHOUFE PATRI LAUNCHES ZENPOD PRO: THE ULTIMATE WIRELESS EARBUDS FROM KORA WEARABLES!
Arts & Entertainment
news image
PC

Tech Snakz

2 weeks ago

7 POWERFUL HEALTH BENEFITS OF ATTAYA TEA: BOOST YOUR WELLNESS NATURALLY
Health
news image
PC

Abraham Amedza

3 weeks ago

YOUGOV SURVEYS
Finance
news image
PC

Jesse Kwao

2 weeks ago

'I'M 23 WITH £60,000 SAVED - THERE'S ONE HUGE THING I DO DIFFERENTLY TO EVERYONE ELSE'
News
news image
PC

Richmond Ati

3 weeks ago

2024 BALLOON D
Sports
news image
PC

Beatrice Benedict

A day ago

MAN UTD CRISIS: RASHFORD DEFENDS AMORIM AS FANS CALL FOR SACKING
Sports
news image
PC

Stephen Justice Kwesidu Howard

5 days ago

BEYONCE’S DAUGHTER IS NOT A HUMAN BEING- AJAGURAJAH
Arts & Entertainment
news image
PC

Yaw Narh

5 days ago

BREAKING NEWS: JUVENTUS HAVE TERMINATED THE CONTRACT OF PAUL POGBA
Sports
news image
PC

Samuel Abiiro

2 days ago

ALHAJI GRUSAH CALLS FOR GFA PRESIDENT KURT OKRAKU’S RESIGNATION
Sports
news image
PC

Jonas Amankwa

A week ago

WATCH MOMENT TROTRO MATE AND DRIVER ABANDON PASSENGERS TO TAKE PHOTOS WITH A TESLA CYBERTRUCK
Autos & Vehicles
news image
PC

Samuel Incoom

5 days ago

UNIVERSITIES COURSES YOU CAN OFFER WITH LOWER GRADES
Education
news image
PC

Excel Megastar

A week ago

A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING FOOD LABELS
Health
news image
View more articles

Connect and interact with amazing Authors in our twitter community

blogpay adspace banner

About Us Cape Coast, Ghana +233 203 557 343 info@myblogpay.com Privacy Policy

© Copyright 2020 - 2024 BLOGPAY. All Rights Reserved

Developed by Payperlez Inc.