Alban Bagbin Asserts No Constitutional Crisis in Ghana Amid Judicial Dispute
Speaker Alban Bagbin has stated that the current parliamentary impasse in Ghana does not constitute a constitutional crisis, urging for calm amid recent Supreme Court rulings. Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, however, warned that the lack of parliamentary sessions indicates a crisis. The situation centers around four parliamentary seats affected by party affiliation changes, raising concerns about parliamentary authority and the judicial process.
In a recent press conference held in Accra, Rt. Hon Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, firmly asserted that the current impasse within Parliament does not constitute a constitutional crisis. His statement follows the Supreme Court’s dismissal of his attempt to overturn a previous ruling that prohibited him from declaring four parliamentary seats vacant. Speaker Bagbin advocated for reasoned discussion among lawmakers rather than turning to the Supreme Court to resolve the matter. He reaffirmed, “There’s no constitutional crisis in this country. I repeat, there’s no constitutional crisis in this country,” urging for tranquility during these discussions. Speaker Bagbin also remarked on Parliament’s constitutional prerogative to revoke the seats of MPs who have switched party affiliations or expressed intentions to run as independents in the forthcoming elections. He further criticized what he perceives as a collaborative effort by the Executive and Judiciary aimed at undermining Parliament’s authority amidst the ongoing saga. Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, however, has characterized the parliamentary dispute regarding the four vacant seats as a constitutional crisis that requires immediate attention. During court proceedings on October 30, 2024, she expressed her concerns about alleged delays in resolving the issue. She directed the Speaker’s counsel to expedite the submission of necessary documents by the approaching deadline, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Torkornoo also called attention to the troubling scenario of Parliament not convening for essential functions. In the midst of these developments, the Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, suggested that Speaker Bagbin should be removed from the case, stating that matters pertaining to public servants and constitutional interpretations are under his office’s domain. The Chief Justice granted Speaker Bagbin an extension until November 6, 2024, to fulfill the documentation requirements. Following these events, the Supreme Court formally rejected an application submitted by Speaker Bagbin, which aimed to nullify a ruling that prohibited him from declaring four parliamentary seats vacant. This ruling came on the heels of a lawsuit filed by Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, challenging the Speaker’s declaration. Bagbin’s legal team has contested the court’s jurisdiction over this matter among other legal arguments.
The situation in Ghana’s Parliament has escalated into a notable conflict involving the Speaker and the Chief Justice regarding the status of four parliamentary seats. Recent rulings from the Supreme Court and public statements by key figures such as Speaker Alban Bagbin and Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo have sparked debate over potential constitutional implications. Bagbin insists that there is currently no crisis, while Torkornoo describes the paralysis of Parliament as an urgent constitutional issue. This confrontation highlights the ongoing tensions between the legislative and judicial branches of the government.
In summary, Rt. Hon Alban Bagbin has assured the public that the ongoing parliamentary situation does not equate to a constitutional crisis, despite contrasting opinions from Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. The unfolding scenario involves complex legal and political dynamics, reflecting tensions between the legislative and judicial branches. Stakeholders are urged to engage in constructive dialogue to mitigate the issues at hand and ensure the stability of parliamentary functions in Ghana.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
