Where’s the respect for Parliament? – Ayariga challenges Supreme Court ruling

Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament(MP) for Bawku Central has expressed his dismay regarding the Supreme Court’s recent ruling to halt Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant.

As a member of the Appointment Committee that vetted some of the judges involved, Ayariga’s disappointment resonates deeply within the political community.

“I am scandalized. I am sad because I am one of those who sat on the Appointment Committee to vet some of them to be judges, and I assume that they understand the Constitution,” he stated, his voice reflecting a mix of disbelief and frustration.

Ayariga’s remarks highlight a growing concern among lawmakers regarding the judicial system’s grasp of constitutional mandates, especially in matters affecting Parliament.

The Supreme Court’s decision to intervene in Speaker Bagbin’s actions has stirred a significant debate within the political arena. Ayariga asserted that the judges likely understood they were stepping beyond their jurisdiction.

“They were not there because they knew they had violated the Constitution. Where have they complained that they were not heard? They did not want to be heard because they knew what they had done,” he said, emphasizing the apparent disconnect between the judiciary’s ruling and parliamentary procedure.

At the heart of Ayariga’s criticism is Article 115 of the Ghanaian Constitution, which stipulates that no entity should interfere with the proceedings of Parliament. He described the Supreme Court’s actions as “the most flawed conduct” and an embarrassment to the judiciary, raising questions about the balance of power and the respect for legislative processes.

“The court violated provisions of article 115,” he argued in an interview on TV3’s “Key Points”, illuminating the tension that exists between the Legislative and Judicial branches of government.