GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
The Speaker of Parliament has delayed making a decision on a petition to declare four parliamentary seats vacant, a move that has generated intense debate in Parliament. The petition, submitted by former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, centers around the application of Article 97 (1)(g) of the Constitution, which mandates that a Member of Parliament must vacate their seat if they leave the political party under which they were elected or opt to remain in Parliament as an independent candidate.
The petition targets three MPs from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and one from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). During the parliamentary session on Tuesday, both the Majority and Minority factions presented their arguments on the matter.
Speaker Alban Bagbin decided to defer his ruling, emphasizing the need for more time to carefully consider the constitutional issues and ensure a fair and just outcome. He assured Parliament that the petition would undergo a thorough examination before any final decision is made.
Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson argued that the MPs in question have violated the constitution by filing to contest upcoming elections either as independent candidates or under a different party, thereby vacating their seats. He cited previous cases, including one involving Andrew Amoako Asiama, the current independent MP for Fomena, to support his call for the enforcement of Article 97 (1)(g).
On the other hand, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin dismissed the petition, arguing that no political party had formally requested the declaration of the seats as vacant. He also filed an urgent legal challenge with the Supreme Court seeking clarification on the status of three MPs who have sparked a constitutional crisis by filing to run as either independent candidates or under the NPP for the upcoming December 2024 elections.
The Speaker’s decision is highly anticipated, as it could significantly impact the balance of power in Parliament, where the Majority and Minority are in a close contest for control. The delay allows both sides time to strengthen their arguments, with a final ruling expected later in the week.
