The Supreme Court of Ghana has dismissed an application by Speaker Alban Bagbin. The application aimed to rescind its earlier decision declaring four parliamentary seats vacant. The court’s ruling, delivered on October 30, 2024, stated that Bagbin’s application had no merit.
Background
The controversy began when Bagbin declared four parliamentary seats vacant. He cited the Members of Parliament’s (MPs) absence from sittings without permission. The affected MPs appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the Speaker’s decision was unconstitutional.
The Ruling
The Supreme Court initially stayed the execution of Bagbin’s declaration. This prompted the Speaker to file an application to rescind the court’s decision. However, the court has now dismissed Bagbin’s application, affirming its original ruling.
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Key Points
- The Supreme Court dismissed Bagbin’s application to rescind its earlier decision.
- The court stated that the grounds supporting the application had no merit.
- The ruling upholds the court’s original decision staying the execution of Bagbin’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant.
Implications
The Supreme Court’s decision has significant implications for Ghana’s parliamentary landscape. The ruling:
- Validates the Supreme Court’s authority in interpreting parliamentary procedures.
- Raises questions about the Speaker’s powers in declaring seats vacant.
- May lead to further legal battles between the affected MPs and the Speaker.
Reactions
The ruling has sparked mixed reactions from political stakeholders and citizens. Some argue that the decision undermines the Speaker’s authority, while others see it as a victory for the rule of law.
Stay updated on further developments in this ongoing story.
