Vacant Seat Controversy: I would've taken the case out of court and called both sides to resolve it - Mahama

The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has stated that the current parliamentary impasse could have been resolved through dialogue rather than legal means.

Speaking during a meeting with the clergy in Kumasi on Monday, November 11, 2024, he emphasised the importance of political negotiations in resolving such issues, stating that a collaborative approach would have been more beneficial for all parties involved.

Mahama noted that while the Supreme Court has the authority to make a ruling, the issue could lead to a standoff between the judiciary and Parliament.

“I think that it is something we can solve politically. The solution is not legal because Supreme Court can make a decision and parliament would say we are not under you, we are separate arm of government. So, this would have demanded a political solution. But all that is dependent on the president.

“If I were a president, I would have taken the case out of Supreme court and call both sides and their leaders and Council of state and the speaker to resolve the matter because I believe if that is done there would be a resolution to the matter,” he explained.

Background

The controversy arose after the Supreme Court stayed the Speaker's decision to declare four seats in parliament vacant.

This decision followed actions by the affected MPs, who had decided to “cross the carpet” by filing to contest the December 7, 2024, parliamentary elections in different capacities; either as independent candidates or on other political party tickets.

The seats affected include those held by Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Amoako Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central).

The dispute has also led to a standoff between the two sides of Parliament over which party holds the Majority.

While the Supreme Court’s ruling places the NDC in the Minority, the Speaker’s decision positions the NPP in the Minority.

The core contention in this case centres on whether the Supreme Court has the authority to overrule parliamentary decisions.

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