Alban Bagbin, Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, has expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court’s involvement in the current parliamentary stalemate, stating that the issue could have been resolved internally through mature deliberations and compromise among lawmakers.
This statement follows the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, which blocked Bagbin from declaring four parliamentary seats vacant—a decision that has sparked debate over the boundaries of the Speaker’s powers and the role of judicial oversight in parliamentary affairs.
Bagbin had initially filed an application challenging the Supreme Court’s ruling, contending that Parliament, as a separate branch of government, should have exclusive authority over its own proceedings.
He also sought to nullify a writ from Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, which requested judicial intervention to prevent further declarations from the Speaker regarding the disputed seats.
Addressing the media in Accra on November 6, Bagbin warned that no individual or entity outside the legislative body has the constitutional right to dictate its functions.
He emphasized that only constructive criticism and internal resolution are suitable methods for addressing parliamentary disputes.
“Parliament must be strong to perform its legislative function and the indispensable function of holding the president to account, that is the function. No other body or person has the gravitas or constitutional mandate to do so in Ghana.
“The public, media, civil society and other partners in Ghana, can make constructive inputs and criticise actions. They are not mandated to hold the executive to account.
“Parliament weakens itself when its members keep running to our courts to seek favourably conditions, of not just legal matters but political and governance questions”
Alban Bagbin reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the Constitution, emphasizing that it’s the supreme law of the land, not any individual or entity.
“I believe in the Supremacy of the Constitution, and not the Supremacy of the Judicauty or Supreme Court.”
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