The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Majority in Parliament has served notice it will no longer participate in further parliamentary sessions until the Supreme Court makes a determination on the Speaker’s ruling on the vexed matter of the four expelled members.
The Caucus cautioned it would not stand by idly as the foundation of Ghana’s democracy is undermined. It stressed its commitment to upholding the 1992 Constitution and serving the interests of Ghanaians.
The side expressed unwavering faith in the Supreme Court’s wisdom and the resilience of democratic institutions to correct and defeat the Speaker’s ruling, which it described as a grave misstep.
Speaker Alban S.K Bagbin ruled that four MPs had forfeited their seats due to their decision to run for the upcoming 2024 elections under different political affiliations. The affected MPs are Hon. Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah (NDC – Amenfi Central), Hon. Andrew Asiamah Amoako (Independent – Fomena), Hon. Kwadjo Asante (NPP – Suhum) and Hon. Cynthia Morrison (NPP – Agona West)
The ruling could significantly alter the composition of Parliament, raising concerns about its impartiality and motives.
Addressing the media in Parliament on Friday, October 18, Majority leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin condemned the ruling and described it as ‘unconstitutional’ and ‘an overreach,’ and stressed the side’s decision to boycott parliamentary sessions until the matter is resolved by the Apex court.
He argued that Speaker Bagbin’s ruling encroaches on the powers of the judiciary, specifically the Supreme Court, which is constitutionally tasked with interpreting and enforcing legal matters related to parliamentary membership.
He said, “The Speaker’s actions constitute a clear usurpation of powers vested in the Supreme Court of Ghana under Articles 2(1) and 130 of the 1992 Constitution.
By pre-emptively ruling on this issue, the Speaker has egregiously undermined the separation of powers that is fundamental to our democracy.”
The Majority Leader disclosed that a lawsuit challenging the interpretation of Article 94(1)(g) had been filed by the Majority Leader on October 15, and Parliament had been officially served with the writ on October 16. Despite this, the Speaker proceeded with his ruling the following day.
He accused the Minority Caucus of attempting to manipulate the parliamentary process for political gain and pointed to the immediate reaction of Minority Leader, Cassiel Ato Forson, who declared his side the new majority following the Speaker’s ruling.
“We are deeply concerned that this ruling may be part of a broader strategy to artificially alter the parliamentary majority. This blatant disregard for the people’s choice is not only unacceptable but also poses a dangerous threat to the very foundations of our democracy,” he emphasized.
The Majority expressed fears that the Speaker’s actions could undermine the government’s legislative agenda, jeopardizing key policies in the final year of the Akufo-Addo’s administration.
Afenyo-Markin called on the Supreme Court to prioritize the case and provide an urgent ruling and stressed that the stability of the country’s democracy and the integrity of parliamentary processes hang in the balance.