The Supreme Court of Ghana is expected to deliver a pivotal ruling today in a high-profile case involving the declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant, a decision that has intensified political debate and raised questions over the constitutional authority of the Speaker of Parliament.

The case was brought before the court by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who challenges Speaker Alban Bagbin’s move to declare the seats vacant on October 17, 2024. The Speaker’s decision was based on alleged breaches of constitutional requirements by the MPs representing the four constituencies. Bagbin argued that these infractions warranted their removal from office.

Afenyo-Markin disputes this interpretation, asserting that only the judiciary has the authority to decide on such matters of constitutional interpretation. He claims that Bagbin acted unilaterally and that his decision effectively strips constituents in the affected areas of representation without due process.

After Afenyo-Markin filed the case, the Supreme Court imposed an injunction preventing further action on the declared vacancies until a final ruling could be made. Speaker Bagbin subsequently challenged this injunction, contending that it restricted his duties as Speaker and that his decision was within his powers to uphold parliamentary integrity.

The court dismissed Bagbin’s request to lift the injunction, maintaining its initial decision and setting the stage for today’s much-anticipated verdict.

Source:TheDotNews