Minister for Trade and Industry, Kobina Tahir Hammond, has boldly stated that Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has no choice but to recall Parliament, following the Supreme Court’s recent ruling.
The Court sided with Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, overturning Bagbin’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant.
In a strong statement to the media, KT Hammond emphasized that the Speaker must adhere to the Court’s ruling and immediately reconvene Parliament.
The dispute stemmed from Bagbin’s interpretation of Article 97(1)(g) of the Ghanaian Constitution, which he used to declare the seats vacant.
However, Afenyo-Markin challenged this, arguing that Bagbin had overstepped his authority by bypassing judicial review and blocking potential by-elections.
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, ruled in favor of Afenyo-Markin with a 5-2 majority.
Chief Justice Torkornoo further dismissed Bagbin’s objection, asserting that judicial intervention is necessary when Parliament’s actions risk violating constitutional provisions, particularly in light of the upcoming December 7 elections .
