Former Presidential and the flagbearer of the Opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has said he would have called for the vacant seat case to be moved from the Supreme Court if he were to be the president.
According to him, the current issues confronting the Parliament of Ghana can be best addressed through politically and not through legal battles.
Speaking to the clergy today, the former President suggested a political solution to the impasse surrounding the four vacant parliamentary seats, rather than relying on a Supreme Court determination. He believes that even if the Supreme Court makes a ruling, Parliament may choose not to follow it since they are not under the Judiciary.
John Mahama also called on President Nana Akufo-Addo to intervene and bring together the leaders of the two parties, the Council of State, the Speaker, and some religious bodies to find a solution. He emphasized that a political solution is necessary, and the case should be vacated from the Supreme Court.
The ongoing controversy began when the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Bagbin declared four (4) parliamentary seats vacant, citing constitutional requirements. However, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary caucus, challenged this decision, arguing that the Speaker overstepped his constitutional authority.
The Supreme Court was initially set to deliver its judgment on November 11, 2024, but postponed it to November 12, 2024, due to the absence of Bagbin's lawyers . This case has sparked debates about the constitutional powers of the Speaker of Parliament and the need for a review of Ghana's constitution.
Some Key Points that triggered the current dispute:
*Constitutional Interpretation: the NPP Caucus is challenging Speaker Bagbin's interpretation of the article regarding vacant seats in Parliament.
*Judicial Oversight: Parliament is arguing, whether the Speaker's decision requires judicial oversight or interpretation.
*Constitutional Powers: The extent of the Speaker's authority in declaring seats vacant.
*Suggested Solution: the former president has called for a political solution instead of the ongoing legal battle at the Supreme Court.
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