Speaker Alban Bagbin has declared that the ongoing parliamentary dispute over vacated seats does not amount to a constitutional crisis. He emphasized the necessity for dialogue over court interventions, amidst contrasting views from the Chief Justice, who labeled the situation as a crisis that requires urgent resolution. Bagbin defended Parliament’s constitutional rights while accusing the Executive and Judiciary of undermining legislative authority.
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon Alban Bagbin, has publicly asserted that the ongoing conflict within the Ghanaian Parliament does not constitute a constitutional crisis. These remarks were made following a recent Supreme Court ruling that dismissed his appeal to overturn a decision preventing him from declaring four parliamentary seats vacant. Addressing the media in Accra on November 6, 2024, Speaker Bagbin emphasized the importance of mature discussions over judicial intervention, reiterating, “There’s no constitutional crisis in this country. I repeat, there’s no constitutional crisis in this country,” as he called for tranquility among legislators. He further pointed out that Parliament retains the constitutional authority to revoke the seats of Members of Parliament (MPs) who are switching parties or choosing to run as independents in the approaching elections. Additionally, he accused both the Executive and Judiciary branches of collaborating to undermine Parliament’s authority in light of recent events.
The backdrop of this discourse centers on a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, which has sparked a debate about the nature of the political impasse in Ghana. The Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, has highlighted the situation as a constitutional crisis that demands urgent attention, a perspective that contrasts with Speaker Bagbin’s assertions. The underlying tensions escalate from disputes regarding the vacant parliamentary seats held by MPs who have deviated from their parties or declared independent intentions. This strife has raised concerns over the role of various government branches and the respect for parliamentary sovereignty.
In summary, the ongoing disagreements within the Ghanaian Parliament have prompted varied interpretations of the situation, with Speaker Bagbin firmly dismissing the notion of a constitutional crisis while the Chief Justice calls for immediate resolution. The Speaker’s insistence on the constitutional rights of Parliament to manage its composition reflects a critical stand against perceived encroachments on its authority, raising fundamental questions about the checks and balances between the legislative and judicial branches. Ultimately, the resolution of this impasse will require measured dialogue and collaboration among all parties involved. The developments urge stakeholders to engage in constructive communication to address the issues effectively while maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s democratic framework.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
