The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called on Speaker Alban Bagbin and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to respect the Supreme Court's judgement.
This comes after, the apex court in a 5-2 majority decision, declared the Speaker of Parliament’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant as unconstitutional.
Interacting with the press after the ruling, Mr Afenyo-Markin emphasised the importance of upholding democratic principles and respecting the rule of law.
“This is a moment for all of us to rally around the choice we made in 1992 democracy. Democracy requires decency, and that is the path the NPP majority caucus took to ensure that we do right to the law.
“we want nothing more except to say that we expect our colleagues on the other side [NDC], including Mr Speaker, to respect the outcome of this case so that we'll move on as a nation,” he said on Tuesday.
The Efutu MP further highlighted Ghana’s democratic reputation across Africa.
According to him, “All we have is the peace of the country. All we have is our democracy. And in West Africa and in Africa as a whole, Ghana shines in the eyes of the people in terms of democracy.”
He also described the Court’s as a "feat" in Ghana’s democratic journey that all sides should honor.
The Majority Leader dismissed suggestions of partisan conflict, stating that the ruling was a matter of constitutional interpretation, not an NPP versus NDC issue.
“… It's a matter of constitutional interpretation, and the court has given its verdict. We should all respect it and move on,” he insisted.
On Thursday, October 17, Speaker Bagbin declared four vacant parliamentary seats —three held by the NPP and one by the NDC—were vacant, shifting the balance of power in Parliament.
With the NDC claiming 136 seats and the NPP reduced to 135, the NDC quickly asserted itself as the new majority.
However, on Friday, October 18, the Supreme Court issued a stay of execution on Speaker Bagbin’s decision, ruling that the four MPs must be allowed to continue representing their constituencies until the court reaches a final decision.
Despite the court's ruling, the NDC caucus has refused to relinquish its newly claimed majority status.
After sitting to hear all parties, the Supreme Court earlier today, ruled that Speaker Bagbin's declaration was unconstitutional.
Latest Stories
-
Severe water shortage hits two schools in Northern Region
5 mins -
Ghana needs a concise national innovation strategy – Professor Kwaku Atuahene-Gima
21 mins -
We’ll expand technology to combat corruption – Joe Ghartey
23 mins -
Economic hardships: Dr Takyi calls for overhaul amid Cedi crisis, skyrocketing debt, and inflation woes
31 mins -
Pneumonia; biggest infectious killer of children worldwide – UNICEF
38 mins -
Okyeame Kwame idolises David Dontoh for his ‘Ghanaman’ influence
40 mins -
22,000 bags of expired rice allegedly distributed to SHSs across Ghana – Ablakwa
42 mins -
Macron honours Akufo-Addo with ‘Grand Officier de la Légion d’Honneur’ in France
43 mins -
I am more than committed to the peace of this nation – Speaker
57 mins -
NPP, NDC MPs clash over Bawumia’s 2,000 megawatts solar plan for Ghana
1 hour -
Ranieri ends retirement to become AS Roma manager
1 hour -
“I am sad things didn’t work out at Chelsea” – Baba Rahman
1 hour -
AFCON 2025Q: Ghana set to miss out if Sudan draw against Niger on Thursday
1 hour -
King Charles III marks 76th birthday at ‘surplus food festival’
1 hour -
CAF: Unchallenged Motsepe’s second term all but confirmed
2 hours