The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Odododiodioo, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has voiced the stance of many NDC lawmakers regarding a recent Supreme Court ruling. According to Vanderpuye, most NDC MPs have resolved not to heed any call to return to Parliament in light of the court’s decision, which deemed Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of four seats as vacant unconstitutional.
This ruling followed a suit filed by New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin, challenging the Speaker’s authority to declare seats vacant in the House. The Supreme Court, in a 5-2 majority decision, upheld Afenyo-Markin’s arguments, leading to the reversal of the Speaker’s earlier decision and effectively restoring the original balance of power in Parliament. The court is expected to publish its full reasoning for the decision on Wednesday, November 13.
The impasse emerged after the Speaker’s ruling shifted the parliamentary balance, allowing the NDC to assume a Majority position, which they began to assert. The NPP MPs reacted by boycotting parliamentary sessions, creating a deadlock in proceedings. The Supreme Court’s decision now mandates that NDC MPs relinquish their claimed Majority status and revert to the Minority, while the NPP resumes its Majority role.
In response to this development, however, Vanderpuye has stated that his NDC colleagues are resolute in their decision to ignore calls for their return to the chamber. He remarked that the MPs “do not care about the ruling of the Supreme Court,” a statement underscoring their frustration with the ruling. This decision not to participate in parliamentary proceedings raises concerns over legislative functionality and could lead to further delays in critical decision-making.
The situation underscores broader political tensions and the need for constitutional clarity regarding parliamentary powers, especially when one party’s actions significantly alter the legislative landscape. It remains to be seen how the impasse will be resolved and what steps the NDC might take in response to the Supreme Court’s formal explanation. As the NPP seeks to resume its Majority role, the NDC’s continued boycott could further complicate the workings of Ghana’s Parliament, potentially impacting the passage of legislation and budget allocations.
This incident also illustrates the complex dynamics between the judiciary and the legislature, as well as the broader implications for political stability and governance in Ghana. The Speaker’s initial ruling and the subsequent legal challenge may prompt future reforms in how parliamentary vacancies and majority status are determined, aiming to avoid similar gridlocks in the future.
Source; TV3 News.
