The Supreme Court has intervened in a parliamentary dispute, issuing a stay of execution on Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling that declared four parliamentary seats vacant. This means Parliament must recognize and allow the four MPs to continue representing their constituencies and performing official duties until the Supreme Court makes a final ruling.
The stay was requested by New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs, who sought to halt enforcement of the ruling affecting two NPP colleagues, one independent MP and one National Democratic Congress (NDC) member. The application was filed ex parte, allowing the Court to consider the request without input from Speaker Bagbin or Parliament.
This directive will remain in effect, not for the 10 days initially requested by the applicants, but until the Supreme Court delivers its final ruling on the substantive case
A Supreme Court panel, led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo and including Justices Mariama Owusu, Kwame Adibu Asiedu, Ernest Yao Gaewu and Yaw Darko Asare, granted the stay. Lawyers Paa Kwesi Abaidoo and former Attorney General Joe Ghartey successfully argued for the NPP MPs.
The Court’s decision maintains the status quo, keeping the four MPs in their seats pending further legal proceedings. This development signifies a temporary reprieve for the embattled MPs.