Supreme Court is supposed to expedite ruling on vacant seats - Afenyo-Markin

The Member of Parliament for Efutu, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has called on the Supreme Court to expedite its decision on the case concerning the Speaker of Parliament’s recent declaration of four parliamentary seats vacant.

According to a report by asaaseradio.com, he made these remarks at a recent forum organised by Asaase Radio, emphasising the need for a swift verdict on the case, citing concerns over widespread speculation regarding Article 97(3) of the Constitution.

“The court is supposed to expedite action on the case, and then we get the final determination of this matter ASAP. These are grave matters of constitutional law, and we cannot allow it to remain stale. You know, people are giving all manner of news and opinions on Article 97(3).It is important that we allow the Supreme Court to come to a firm determination on this matter once and for all—that is all that is needed. The politics must give way for law to operate," he explained.

On Thursday, October 17, 2024, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, declared four parliamentary seats: Amenfi Central, Fomena, Suhum, and Agona West, vacant, following a motion filed by Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, citing constitutional provisions that require MPs who switch political affiliations or contest as independent candidates to forfeit their seats.

However, the Supreme Court quashed the Speaker’s decision on Friday, October 18, 2024, granting a stay of execution of Bagbin’s ruling.

JKB/AE

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