I am surprised at the Supreme Court's ruling - Dominc Ayine

A former Attorney General and Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga East, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has revealed he is surprised by the Supreme Court’s decision to stay the execution of Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling, which had declared the seats of four Members of Parliament (MPs) vacant.

Speaking in an interview on TV3 on Friday, October 18, 2024, he stated, "I said it is a surprising development because the Supreme Court rarely sits on Friday. So, for them to convene on a Friday so quickly to make orders. As extensive as they are. I am surprised that they will do something like this."

He wondered why the Supreme Court would prioritise this case over others of national importance.

"Having equally urgent matters of national importance like the anti-gay bill case and so on. These cases are on the back burner.

"The Supreme Court came out with a presser about the issue and so on.

There is a law that has been enacted, the president has refused to sign the law on the excuse that there are pending . Because we are constitutionally obligated to make laws for the country.

"We have passed a law, the president says because he cannot make a determination, he cannot sign the law," he stated.

His remarks follow the Supreme Court’s decision on Friday, October 18, 2024, to stay the execution of Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare the seats of four Members of Parliament (MPs) vacant.

The Speaker’s ruling, made after a motion by former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, invoked constitutional provisions that mandate MPs who seek to run as independent candidates to vacate their seats.

The affected MPs—Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Amoako Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central)—were declared to have breached these provisions by either switching political affiliations or indicating their intention to run as independents in the upcoming election.

JKB/ ADG

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