**NDC Minority Leader Vows to Protect Parliamentary Majority Despite Supreme Court Ruling**

ACCRA: The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, has pledged to defend their parliamentary majority, notwithstanding a Supreme Court ruling that has temporarily stayed a decision by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin. The ruling relates to the Speaker's declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant, a move that has stirred significant political debate. According to Ghana News Agency, on October 17, 2024, Speaker Bagbin declared the Amenfi Central, Fomena, Agona West, and Suhum constituencies vacant. This decision followed a formal petition by Haruna Iddrisu, an NDC MP for Tamale South, questioning the eligibility of certain Members who filed to contest upcoming parliamentary elections under different political banners. The Speaker's action was based on Article 97(1)(g) of Ghana's Constitution, which mandates that MPs vacate their seats if they leave the party on whose ticket they were elected. The ruling sparked intense discussions in Parliam ent, with the Majority and Minority parties presenting opposing views. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) condemned the Speaker's ruling, labeling it "evil." The Supreme Court, however, intervened by setting aside the Speaker's decision, citing the potential infringement on the democratic rights of constituents. The Court ordered that the MPs in question be allowed to perform their full duties pending the final determination of the case. Despite the Supreme Court's intervention, Dr. Forson expressed the Minority's resolve to maintain their perceived majority status. Speaking at a press conference, Forson stated the NDC's intention to "jealously guard" what they consider their rightful position, emphasizing that they would not yield in their quest for fair representation in Parliament. He further critiqued the judiciary's involvement, suggesting it raised concerns about the separation of powers. The Supreme Court's ruling requires the Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney General to submit their case statements within seven days, as directed by a five-member panel led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. Additionally, the parties must file joint memoranda of issues within the same timeframe.