By Ashiadey Dotse
Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga has criticized the Supreme Court’s decision to temporarily block Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin’s ruling that declared four parliamentary seats vacant.
Ayariga argued that the Court’s action interfered with Parliament’s independence and went against the separation of powers, which should keep the judiciary and the legislature separate. He believes that the Supreme Court exceeded its authority by intervening and that this decision infringes on Parliament’s right to make independent decisions.
In an on October 18, Ayariga questioned the legality of the Court’s move and stressed that each branch of government should respect its limits. He explained that if someone believes Parliament’s actions are unconstitutional, they should ask the Supreme Court for a ruling on that matter, rather than suspending Parliament’s decision.
He clarified that what happened was not a declaration on whether Parliament’s decision was unconstitutional, but rather an improper intervention by the Court that halted Parliament’s ruling. According to Ayariga, the constitution doesn’t grant the Court the power to block Parliament’s decisions, but only to make legal declarations.
Before the Speaker’s ruling on October 17, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin had already gone to the Supreme Court on October 15 to seek clarification on the status of the four MPs, who intended to contest the December 2024 elections either with the NPP or as independents. On October 18, he also requested the suspension of the Speaker’s ruling.
In response, the Supreme Court’s stay order temporarily stops any actions related to declaring the seats vacant, allowing the four MPs to keep their positions in Parliament until a final court decision is made. This move is intended to maintain the current structure of Parliament, ensuring legislative work continues without disruption.
