Supreme Court ruling a victory for democracy -Afenyo-Markin

 The Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has called on his colleagues to embrace the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on the declaration of parliamentary seats vacant.

The Court by a majority 5-2 decision, yesterday ruled that the Speaker of Parliament does not have the power to declare parliamentary seats vacant.

Welcoming the decision of the Court in a statement, the Effutu MP said the ruling of the apex court should be seen as victory for Ghana’s democracy.

“The Supreme Court’s decision should not be seen as victory for one side or defeat for another. Rather it represents a triumph for our constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

“It reinforces the principle that in our Republic, every institution, no matter how exalted, must operate within the bounds of our constitution,” Mr Afenyo-Markin wrote.

Parliament, for about a month now, has been in abeyance following the declaration by the Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, that four members who have filed to contest as independent candidates and on the ticket of the NPP can no longer hold themselves as MPs.

The declaration resulted in a stalemate, freezing critical government businesses in the process.

That impasse, which has kept parliament closed for a couple of weeks, Mr Afenyo-Markin said, should be put behind by MPs of both caucuses as they work to improve the lot of their constituents.

“The time has come for us to move beyond this episode and redirect our energies towards our primary duty – serving the good people of Ghana who elected us to represent their interests. Our nation faces pressing challenges that demand our united attention and collabo­rative effort.”

The Majority Leader reaffirmed his utmost respect for the Speaker of Parliament and his good office for his contribution to the growth of Ghana’s democratic order.

“This judicial interpretation of our constitution should strengthen, not weaken, the relationship between leader­ship and members of the House.

“With the highest regard for your wisdom and com­mitment to our democracy, I respectfully look forward to the exercise of your authority to reconvene Parliament, so that together, we may resume our sacred duty to the people of Ghana without further delay of discord.”

He said as the House gets in readiness to reconvene ahead of the December 7 elections, he entreated his colleagues to remember that they are first and foremost servants of the people.

“The voters who sent us to parliament expect us to prioritise their interests above all else. They deserve nothing less than our total commitment to advancing the development agenda that will improve their lives.

“I call on all MPs to view this moment as an oppor­tunity for renewal. Let us approach our duties with new vigour, determined to work together in the spirit of constructive dialogue and mutual respect,” he rallied.

The clarification provided by the Supreme Court, he said, should serve as a foundation for more effective parliamentary proceedings.

 BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI

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