Supreme Court Order on Vacant Seats Creates “Constitutional Crisis,” MP Ayine Argues

 

A recent Supreme Court order staying Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of four vacant parliamentary seats has sparked concern and raised questions about a potential “constitutional crisis,” according to Bolgatanga East MP Dominic Akuritinga Ayine.

 

Ayine expressed deep concern about the Supreme Court’s decision, stating that the ex-parte motion, which was granted without notifying Parliament, effectively ties the hands of the Speaker and Parliament, interfering with the legislative process. He argues that this intervention constitutes a “constitutional crisis.”

 

The Supreme Court’s decision came after an ex parte application filed by NPP MPs led by Majority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, seeking to overturn the Speaker’s ruling. The Court, presided over by Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, granted the application, citing concerns about the affected MPs’ constituents being denied representation.

 

The Court’s order has the effect of reinstating the four vacant seats, essentially reversing the Speaker’s decision. Parliament has been ordered to file its statement of case and memorandum of issues within seven days.

 

Ayine’s statement raises critical questions about the separation of powers and the role of the judiciary in parliamentary processes. His concerns reflect the potential for judicial overreach and the implications of such a development for the balance of power within the Ghanaian political system.

 

The Court’s decision and subsequent reactions highlight the ongoing tension and conflict between the legislature and judiciary over the interpretation and implementation of the Constitution. The upcoming legal proceedings will be closely watched as the Supreme Court is expected to clarify its position on this critical issue, potentially shaping the relationship between the branches of government in Ghana.