Gyampo: Speaker of Parliament Lacks Power to Declare Seats Vacant

Professor Ransford Gyampo, a political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, has sparked a fresh debate on the powers of the Speaker of Parliament. According to Gyampo, the Speaker lacks the authority to declare parliamentary seats vacant. His remarks came after Speaker Alban Bagbin declared four seats vacant due to alleged breaches of parliamentary rules. Gyampo clarified that under the 1992 Constitution, it is the judiciary, not the Speaker, that holds the power to make such declarations after proper legal proceedings.

The controversy surrounds the absence of some Members of Parliament and whether this absence justifies vacating their seats. While some argue that the Speaker acted within his rights, others, like Gyampo, insist that only a court can make such a decision, ensuring fairness and adherence to due process.

This issue has reignited discussions about the separation of powers in Ghana and the role of the judiciary in resolving parliamentary disputes. As the 2024 elections approach, these debates are expected to intensify, especially in cases that could impact the balance of power in Parliament.