Speaker’s Decision to Declare Seats Vacant Upheld by Constitutional Lawyer

ACCRA: A constitutional lawyer has defended the Speaker of Parliament's decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant, stating that the move was in strict adherence to the nation's constitution. According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Justice Abdulai, who is also a lecturer at the University of Professional Studies Law School, emphasized that Speaker Alban Bagbin's declaration was consistent with constitutional mandates. The decision, made on Thursday, affected the Amenfi Central, Fomena, Agona West, and Suhum constituencies, citing breaches of Article 9(1)(g) and (h) of the 1992 Constitution, which pertains to members of Parliament changing party affiliations. The individuals impacted include Mr. Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah of Amenfi Central, who switched from the National Democratic Congress to file as an independent for the 2024 elections, and Mr. Andrews Amoako Asiamah of Fomena, who, although an Independent MP, is seeking to run with the New Patriotic Party. Additionally, Mr. Kwadjo Asante from Suhum and Madam Cynthia Mamle Morrison from Agona West, both originally elected under the NPP, have also filed to contest as independents. The New Patriotic Party's parliamentary caucus has responded by announcing a boycott of parliamentary activities until the Supreme Court resolves the legality of the Speaker's decision. The Supreme Court has temporarily suspended the Speaker's ruling pending a full review. Mr. Abdulai remarked that while the Supreme Court's involvement is vital for future clarity, he doubted it would overturn the Speaker's decision, noting the procedural timelines could outlast the current Parliament's term. He called for calm and dialogue among parliamentary leaders in the national interest.