NDC MP files lawsuit against Speaker over vacant seats

The Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has initiated legal action against the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, at the Accra High Court.

In his writ, Mr. Dafeamekpor is requesting the court to compel the Speaker to clarify the status of four vacant parliamentary seats.

The MP contends that the Speaker should confirm that these four legislators have vacated their positions to run as independent candidates in the upcoming elections.

He is also seeking a declaration that any parliamentary activity involving these members after October 17 is unlawful.

Mr. Dafeamekpor argues that the October 17 ruling remains valid, because the Speaker’s move was backed by provisions in Article 97(1)(g) and (h) of the 1992 Constitution. He is requesting that the court prevent Mr. Andrew Amoako Asiamah (Fomena), Mrs. Cynthia Mamle Morrison (Agona West), Mr. Kwadwo Asante (Sohum), and Mr. Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah (Amenfi Central) from participating in parliamentary proceedings.

This situation has ignited debate within the judicial community, with some supporting the Speaker’s actions while others criticize them as not complying with parliamentary laws.

Parliament has been inactive since the Supreme Court expressed opposition to the declaration of the vacant seats. On October 18, the Supreme Court issued a stay on Speaker Bagbin’s ruling that declared four seats vacant, which will remain in effect until the Court reaches a final decision.

The stay was requested by NPP MPs through an ex parte application, meaning Speaker Bagbin and Parliament were not included in this legal action.