Renowned media practitioner Kwami Sefa Kayi has voiced strong support for the authority of the Supreme Court amidst the ongoing tussle between the Speaker of Parliament and the Supreme Court.
In a conversation with colleague Dan Kwaku Yeboah on Accra-based Peace FM, Sefa Kayi emphasized the supremacy of the court's rulings and criticized those who oppose its directives.
"If you say you agree with Bagbin, then you’re against the Supreme Court. Can you imagine that the Supreme Court has given a directive, but you say you will ignore it?" he quizzed.
He added that such a stand-off would not be possible if it were any other Ghanaian.
“Would any other Ghanaian do it? Who born dog?" Sefa Kayi questioned amid laughter.
He reiterated that the Supreme Court represents the law, citing past election petitions as examples of the court's decisive role.
"The Supreme Court is the law, finish. Remember the election petitions in 2013, the moment the Supreme Court spoke, it was over. The same thing happened in 2020," he stated.
Sefa Kayi's comments come at a time of heightened tension between the judiciary and legislative branches.
What happened?
On Friday, October 18, the Supreme Court of Ghana issued a stay of execution of Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin's ruling, which declared the seats of four MPs vacant. This decision temporarily halts the implementation of Bagbin's ruling, allowing the MPs - Cynthia Morrison, Kwadjo Asante, Andrew Amoako Asiamah, and Peter Kwakye Ackah—to retain their positions.
The ruling was based on a motion by former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, citing constitutional provisions that require MPs who switch political affiliations or run as independents to vacate their seats. Speaker Bagbin's declaration led to controversy and a walkout by the Majority party.
The Supreme Court's stay order followed an urgent legal action by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who sought clarification on the MPs' status. Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo directed the Speaker and Attorney General to file their statements within seven days, with a joint memorandum of issues to be filed subsequently for a swift resolution.
Amidst the controversy, Speaker Bagbin adjourned the House on October 22, after NDC legislators occupied the Majority side following an NPP walkout.
On November 7, 2024, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin adjourned the House indefinitely due to the absence of business for lawmakers to deliberate on.
This followed the failure of the Business Committee to meet and prepare an agenda, as the Majority caucus, who had requested the recall session, did not appear in the Chamber.
ID/EK
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