In a recent development in Ghana’s parliamentary scene, legal expert Justice Abdulai has weighed in on the contentious Supreme Court ruling declaring four parliamentary seats vacant. Justice Abdulai, a private legal practitioner, expressed doubts about any likely defiance from Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who now faces the delicate task of adhering to the court’s stay of execution regarding these seats.
In an interview on Globe TV Ghana, Abdulai shared his perspective on the situation with Nana Tuffour Boateng. He indicated that it is unlikely for Speaker Bagbin to contravene the Supreme Court’s directive, which permits the four Members of Parliament (MPs) in question to retain their seats and participate in parliamentary duties. Abdulai remarked, “When he’s appropriately served, I do not foresee a possibility of the Speaker disobeying this without any sufficient grounds.” He emphasized that any attempt to resist the court’s order could lead to a severe constitutional crisis.
The controversy stems from Speaker Bagbin’s earlier decision, made following a motion by former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, to declare the seats of four MPs vacant. These MPs—Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Amoako Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central)—were accused of breaching constitutional provisions by either switching political affiliations or signaling their intent to run as independent candidates in the upcoming December 2024 elections.
Prior to the Speaker’s ruling, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin took swift legal action. On October 15, he filed a request with the Supreme Court, seeking a clarification on the status of the four MPs. The ruling was an urgent matter, as these MPs had plans to either contest under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) or as independents in the upcoming election. In an additional move, Afenyo-Markin filed for a stay of execution, effectively placing the Speaker’s decision on hold until the court issued further directions.
With the Supreme Court’s stay order now in effect, the declaration of these seats as vacant is suspended. Abdulai’s insights suggest that Speaker Bagbin is unlikely to risk a constitutional standoff by disregarding the ruling. Instead, the Speaker is expected to comply and allow the MPs to retain their seats until the Supreme Court delivers its final verdict on this complex matter.
This ongoing situation underscores the intricate balance of powers in Ghana’s political landscape, as well as the challenges of maintaining constitutional integrity amid shifting political alliances.
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