Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament for Ghana, has officially declared four seats in the Ghanaian Parliament vacant. This announcement was made during a parliamentary session held on Thursday, October 17, 2024.
Rt. Hon. Bagbin explained that the actions of four Members of Parliament (MPs) had resulted in their seats becoming vacant. He proceeded to list their names and the constituencies they represented:
- Hon. Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah – Amenfi Central Constituency, Western Region (NDC)
- Hon. Andrew Amoako Asiamah – Fomena Constituency, Ashanti Region (NPP)
- Hon. Kwadjo Asante – Suhum Constituency, Eastern Region (NPP)
- Hon. Cynthia Mamle Morrison – Agona West Constituency, Central Region (NPP)
According to Speaker Bagbin, these MPs have expressed their intent to contest the upcoming December 2024 general election as independent candidates within the same constituencies. This decision, however, contravenes the provisions of Article 97 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and the Standing Orders of Parliament.
Article 97 (1)(g) of the Constitution specifically states that an MP must vacate their seat if they resign from the party on whose ticket they were elected and contest as an independent candidate. The Standing Orders further reinforce this constitutional directive. Therefore, Speaker Bagbin concluded that the four MPs’ decision to run as independent candidates violated the law, mandating their seats be declared vacant.
This move has sparked significant concern and strong reactions from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus in Parliament. Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin objected to this declaration and indicated that he has appealed the matter to the Supreme Court.
Many NPP members believe the declaration could affect their party’s majority in the House, and they are likely to challenge the decision through legal means. The NPP has yet to officially respond, but political analysts anticipate further debate and possibly a court intervention.
If this declaration stands, it will make the NDC caucus the majority in Parliament, and the NPP caucus will become the minority.
Stay tuned to GH Educate for updates on this developing situation.
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