In a landmark decision announced today, the Supreme Court of Ghana ruled that Speaker Alban Bagbin’s attempt to remove four Members of Parliament (MPs) from their seats was unconstitutional. The Court’s 5-2 ruling in favor of Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s challenge marks a significant shift in the balance of power within Parliament. The ruling limits the Speaker’s power to declare parliamentary seats vacant, if such power ever existed.
The case centered on whether the Speaker of Parliament had the authority to remove MPs from office. The Supreme Court’s decision effectively invalidates Speaker Bagbin’s action and upholds a constitutional interpretation that restricts the Speaker’s influence over MPs’ tenure.
Additionally, this ruling overturns a 2020 decision by former Speaker Mike Ocquaye that led to the removal of the Fomena MP for running as an independent candidate.
With these legal precedents set, Parliament is expected to undergo changes in its approach to handling matters of MP seat vacancies, as the Speaker’s role has now been curtailed in this regard.
