Afenyo-Markin explains why citing the Speaker for contempt won't work

Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has responded to calls for the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, to be cited for contempt of court following his blatant disregard of the Supreme Court ruling to stay his recent decision.

The New Patriotic Party Caucus led by Afenyo-Markin had petitioned the Supreme Court against Bagbin's declaration of the Agona West, Amenfi Central, Fomena and Suhum seats in Parliament vacant due to their representatives' intent to contest the upcoming parliamentary election as independent candidates or on the ticket of another party.

The Supreme Court, after hearing the issue, ruled that the Speaker should not advance his decision but rather wait till the matter is finally determined after all parties have been listened to and satisfied the necessary conditions.

But the Speaker refused to heed the court ruling, rather he filed an application to the Supreme Court through his legal representation to vacate the verdict.

The application was subsequently quashed by the Highest Court of the land.

Despite all these efforts, the Speaker has failed to reverse his decision and also direct the NDC caucus who have taken over the majority chamber to return to their position.

In view of this character exhibited by the Speaker, some people have called for him to be cited for contempt.

Reacting to the assertions for contempt of court, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who doubles as a lawyer, says the Speaker cannot be charged with contempt.

He educated the public during an interview with Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" on why citing the Speaker for contempt won't work, explaining the Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin has played this situation "skillfully" in that he has provided a safe net for himself.

He expounded that when it comes to the sitting positions in the House, he (Bagbin) claims he is not in charge of the sitting arrangements but rather it is the responsibility of the clerk of Parliament.

Also, Bagbin states he hasn't pronounced the Minority as Majority members, therefore, to Afenyo-Markin, it will be difficult for one to cite him for contempt.

"He (Bagbin) cannot be found in that web of contempt. However, he has a moral duty as a democrat to direct the NDC Minority to go back to their seats. It is good for his own image as a democrat and as a Statesman, having been with the politics of this country since 1992, I think it is about time for the Speaker to let people know he accepts our democracy", Afenyo-Markin further elaborated.