This is a constitutional crisis, we’re living in a country where Parliament is not sitting - Chief Justice

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has described the parliamentary dispute concerning four seats declared vacant by the Speaker as a constitutional crisis that necessitates urgent resolution.

During court proceedings on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, she expressed concern about what she views as a delay in the judicial process related to this issue, urging the Speaker's lawyer, Thaddeus Sory, to take prompt action.

She questioned Sory on why he had not submitted the necessary documents for Speaker Alban Bagbin by the stipulated deadline of October 30, 2024.

“This is a constitutional crisis; we’re living in a country where Parliament is not sitting. What is going on?” she quizzed.

The Chief Justice also directed Sory to ensure that the required documents are filed by the end of business on Thursday, October 31, 2024.

The Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, suggested that the Speaker should be excluded from the case, emphasising that his office handles matters involving public servants and constitutional interpretation.

Gertrude Torkornoo has granted Speaker Bagbin until November 6, 2024, to file the necessary documents, following Sory's request for additional time to consult with the Speaker regarding the substantive case.

The Supreme Court has dismissed an application by Alban Bagbin, who sought to overturn a ruling that suspended his declaration concerning four parliamentarians.

This followed an initial suit filed by Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin, challenging the Speaker's declaration.

Bagbin's legal team argued that the apex court lacked jurisdiction in the matter, among other arguments.

However, after hearing from all parties, including the Attorney General, the Supreme Court upheld its earlier ruling, deeming the Speaker's appeal to be without merit.

"We have considered the application, and we have come to the conclusion that the grounds supporting the application have no merit," the Chief Justice remarked.

The Court also dismissed an objection raised by Thaddeus Sory regarding the empaneling of Justice Ernest Gaewu prior to this decision.

JKB/KA

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