Following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare four seats vacant, Kwame Jantuah, a prominent member of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), has urged the Parliament’s Minority caucus to defuse the situation by taking back their original seats.
Speaking on the subject, Mr. Jantuah highlighted how urgent it is to enact important measures before Parliament adjourns, such as the interim budget required for the January 2025 transition to the next administration.
He also urged all sides to put the interests of the country ahead of political disagreements and emphasized the significance of Speaker Bagbin announcing a recall of Parliament to guarantee that these legislative priorities are handled as soon as possible.
“The Supreme Court has made the decision to let the sleeping dog lie. There are important bills to be passed before parliament rises. One of the bills is the temporary budget for handover so I will plead with the speaker to recall parliament, and let the sleeping dog lie.
“Let parliament reopen, National Democratic Congress, you have made your point. Ghanaians who will support you will support, those who will not, will not do it. So, please go back to your seats and let Parliament work. Mr Speaker, recall parliament,” he said during an interview on TV3 on Friday, November 15.
Mr Jantuah warned the Majority against celebrating the Supreme Court decision to cause dissatisfaction amongst their colleagues in the Minority.
“The NPP shouldn’t now walk into parliament and celebrate, that arouses a lot of dissension.”
The Supreme Court ruled in favour of a lawsuit filed by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin on Tuesday, November 12, overturning Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant.
The five justices who support the Majority Leader explained in their comprehensive ruling, which was made public on Thursday, November 14, that a parliamentary seat can only be deemed empty if a politician changes parties while still serving in Parliament.
Additionally, the ruling said that the Speaker’s decision could not be implemented within the current legislative term.
There is disagreement about how the Supreme Court should interpret its authority in cases like this, though, as two dissenting justices contended that the Court lacked jurisdiction to decide the case.
Source: Citinewsroom