The Supreme Court of Ghana is set to deliver a judgment today, November 11, 2024 on the contentious issue of four parliamentary seats declared vacant by Speaker Alban Bagbin. This decision has sparked intense political debate and raised questions about the Speaker’s constitutional powers.
The Majority leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin sent the case to court, challenging Bagbin’s declaration of the seats vacant without judicial oversight or by-elections. At the heart of the dispute lies Bagbin’s interpretation of the 1992 Constitution regarding parliamentary vacancies. He declared the four seats vacant on September 17, 2024, citing constitutional violations by the MPs in question.
However, Afenyo-Markin argues that Bagbin overstepped his authority by making the decision independently, bypassing due judicial process. He believes only the judiciary can interpret the Constitution in such cases. Moreover, Afenyo-Markin claims that Bagbin’s declaration disenfranchises constituents in those areas, denying them their right to representation.
The Supreme Court initially issued an injunction to halt further action on the vacated seats until a final decision is made. Bagbin challenged this injunction, but the court dismissed his motion, upholding its previous ruling and setting the stage for today’s crucial judgment on the matter.