Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay says he does not expect the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to ignore the Supreme Court's ruling regarding the four parliamentary seats he deemed vacant.
In an interview with Citi FM on Monday, October 21, Blay stressed that the Supreme Court holds the ultimate authority in interpreting Ghana’s laws and its rulings must be respected.
Mr Blay emphasised that he expects Parliament, particularly Speaker Bagbin, to honor the decision of the apex court.
He pointed out that maintaining the rule of law is crucial for the country's democracy, and disregarding judicial decisions could set a dangerous precedent. He called for respect for the legal system and urged political figures to adhere to the court's directives.
“I will be extremely surprised if the speaker does not obey the Supreme Court decision because it is the Supreme Court that interprets laws and its ruling is as simple as any other thing."
“There is a separation of powers but the three organs of government all have a role to play and the role of interpretation is purely the role of the Supreme Court and so the House has to obey its decision.”
“I will be surprised and I don’t think he [Speaker Bagbin] will defy the Supreme Court’s ruling because he is a lawyer and understands the law and he must abide by the ruling,” Mr. Blay said.
This follows the Supreme Court's stay of execution on Speaker Bagbin's declaration of four parliamentary seats vacant.
Despite the court's ruling, members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have threatened to occupy the majority side of Parliament, claiming they now hold the majority with 136 seats, while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has 135.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, leader of the NDC caucus in Parliament, has been vocal about the party's stance, asserting that they are the new majority caucus based on the Speaker's declaration, even though the Supreme Court has halted that ruling.
The NDC’s move has sparked concerns of possible confrontations during the next parliamentary session.
In response, NPP Members of Parliament have stated that they will not engage in any physical altercations.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin, leader of the NPP MPs, indicated that if the NDC attempts to occupy their seats, they will opt for a peaceful walkout rather than participate in any form of violence.
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