On Friday, October 18, 2024, the Supreme Court of Ghana temporarily halted Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin’s ruling on the vacation of four seats in Parliament. This ruling came after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament filed an application, leading to the court’s directive for Parliament to officially recognize the four MPs, allowing them to represent their constituents. The decision reinstates the NPP as the majority caucus in Parliament.
The ruling was delivered by a five-member panel of Supreme Court justices, led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. Below are the justices who made the ruling:
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo: Nominated in April 2023 and sworn in as Chief Justice in June 2023, she succeeded former Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah. Justice Torkornoo was also part of the seven-member panel that heard the 2020 election petition filed by John Mahama against the Electoral Commission and President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Justice Mariama Owusu: Sworn in as a Supreme Court judge in December 2019, Justice Mariama Owusu also served on the panel for the 2020 election petition case. She has a long-standing career in the judiciary and is known for her expertise in electoral disputes.
Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu: Justice Adibu-Asiedu has served as a judge since 1996 and was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2022. His years of experience in Ghana’s legal system have earned him a reputation for delivering sound legal judgments.
Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu: Formerly a constituency chairman and parliamentary candidate for the New Patriotic Party in the Ho West and Ho Central constituencies, Justice Gaewu transitioned to the judiciary in 2020. He was appointed as a Supreme Court judge in April 2023, making history as the first High Court judge to ascend directly to the Supreme Court since 1980.
Justice Yaw Darko Asare: Appointed to the Supreme Court by President Akufo-Addo in January 2024, Justice Yaw Darko Asare is one of the newest additions to Ghana’s apex court. His appointment has been seen as a continuation of the president’s efforts to strengthen the judiciary with highly qualified and experienced individuals.
This ruling by the Supreme Court halts the implementation of Speaker Bagbin’s decision and will be subjected to further legal review.
