The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mr. Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision declaring the Speaker of Parliament’s move to declare four parliamentary seats vacant unconstitutional.
The court’s 5-2 ruling, announced on Tuesday, clarified a pivotal constitutional matter on the powers of the Speaker in relation to vacant parliamentary seats.
Following the ruling, Mr. Afenyo-Markin expressed satisfaction with the decision, which he described as “much-needed clarity to a complex constitutional matter.”
He stated, “Today’s ruling brings resolution to an issue that has preoccupied our Parliament for some time. The Supreme Court has affirmed that the Speaker does not hold the authority to unilaterally declare seats vacant, as outlined in Article 97(1)(g) and (h) of the 1992 Constitution.”
The ruling directly impacts four Members of Parliament: Madam Cynthia Mamle Morrison (NPP, Agona West), Mr. Peter Yaw Kwakye Ackah (NDC, Amenfi Central), Mr. Kwadjo Asante (NPP, Suhum), and Mr. Andrew Asiamah Amoako (Independent, Fomena). Three of these MPs had filed to contest the December 7 elections as independents, while Mr. Amoako recently returned to the NPP. According to Mr. Afenyo-Markin, the ruling solidifies their status as legitimate members of Parliament’s Eighth session.
The Majority Leader stressed that the ruling should not be seen as a victory for any particular party but rather as an affirmation of the rule of law and constitutional democracy.
“This decision reinforces the principle that every institution, regardless of stature, must function within the bounds of our Constitution,” he noted, adding that the judgment ultimately strengthens Ghana’s democratic framework.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin also extended an olive branch to MPs across the political divide, calling for a renewed focus on serving the Ghanaian public.
“The time has come for us to move beyond this episode and concentrate on the mandate given to us by the people. We must prioritize their needs and work collaboratively to address the challenges facing our nation.”
Addressing Speaker Alban Bagbin, Mr. Afenyo-Markin reaffirmed his respect for the Speaker’s role and urged the Speaker to reconvene Parliament without delay, enabling lawmakers to resume their duties. He expressed hope that the ruling would strengthen the relationship between Parliament’s leadership and its members, as they collectively uphold Ghana’s democratic values.
“As we resume our legislative work, let us remember that we are, above all, servants of the people,” Afenyo-Markin emphasized.
He called on all MPs to view this moment as a “new beginning,” urging them to embrace the spirit of constructive dialogue and cooperation.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin concluded by affirming that the Supreme Court’s decision provides a robust foundation for more effective parliamentary proceedings, saying, “Our democracy emerges stronger when we respect the wisdom of our Constitution and the interpretation of its guardians.”
He encouraged MPs to channel their focus on advancing Ghana’s development agenda, ensuring progress and prosperity for all citizens.
