Vacant Seats Controversy: Don’t give Bagbin powers he doesn’t have – Kwadwo Poku

Mr. Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku, an Energy Analyst and member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has argued that the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon Alban Bagbin has no right to declare seats vacant in parliament

During a discussion of the ongoing issue of vacant seats in parliament, Mr Kwadwo Poku indicated that the current speaker’s use of the Fomena MP’s case as a standard to declare the Four(4) seats vacant is vague.

He stressed that in the wake of that issue, the NPP formally wrote to the Speaker to officially inform him about the decision of Andrew Asiamah Amoako filing as an Independent Parliamentary Candidate before the decision to expel him was arrived at.

The former NPP flagbearer aspirant further argued that with respect to the current issue, the NPP has not written to the speaker to officially inform him, hence had no right to declare the seats vacant.

“The Speaker had no locus to determine if a person is still a member of a party or not. it is the political party who has to make a determination. Don’t give Bagbin powers he doesn’t have; he has no right to declare seats vacant”. He stated.

On October 18, 2024, the Supreme Court granted a stay of execution on Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling that declared four parliamentary seats vacant. This ruling effectively directed Parliament to recognize and allow the affected MPs to fully represent their constituencies and perform their official duties.

On October 22, amidst the controversy surrounding the vacant seats, Speaker Bagbin adjourned the sitting of the House indefinitely. This decision came during a session where National Democratic Congress (NDC) legislators occupied the Majority side of the Chamber after the NPP Members of Parliament had walked out, citing disputes with the opposition over claims of majority status.

The adjournment further underscores the ongoing tensions within Parliament as the parties navigate the implications of the Supreme Court’s stay and the vacant seat issue.