The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has broken his silence on the raging controversy over the Supreme Court’s ruling that set aside his declaration of four seats in Parliament vacant.
In a post on Facebook, Mr Bagbin wrote, “God bless our homeland Ghana and make it great and strong, beyond any single individual or institution.”
It is recalled that the Speaker of Parliament declared the following seats vacant:
1. Cynthia Morrison, the current NPP MP for Agona West constituency in the Central Region, who has filed to run as an independent candidate.
2. Kwadwo Asante, the current NPP MP for the Suhum constituency in the Eastern Region, who has also filed to run as an independent candidate.
3. Andrew Asiamah Amoako, currently an independent MP for the Fomena constituency in the Ashanti Region, who has filed to run in the upcoming election as a candidate for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
4. Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central), NDC.
However, the Supreme Court on Friday, October 18 directed the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to suspend the implementation of his ruling that declared the four seats in the House vacant.
This development has generated much controversy as many renowned legal brains have expressed varied opinions on, first, whether the Speaker of Parliament is clothed with the power to declare seats in the House vacant in accordance with Article 97 of the 1992 Constitution, and second, whether the Supreme Court can override a decision taken by the Speaker?
Amid the raging controversy, some have wondered what may be running through the mind of Alban Sumana Bagbin. While some say he will call the bluff of the Supreme Court, others say he may just comply.
The post on Facebook, less that 24 hours to Parliament reconvening from the weekend break, gives an indication of what is to come. Especially so, when he concludes the post with “…beyond any single individual or institution.”
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