Kwame Jantuah, a senior member of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), has called on the Minority caucus in Parliament to de-escalate tensions by returning to their original seats following the Supreme Court’s ruling against Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare four seats vacant.
Speaking on the issue, Mr. Jantuah underscored the urgency of passing critical bills before Parliament adjourns, including the temporary budget necessary for the transition to the next government in January 2025.
He also stressed the importance of Speaker Bagbin recalling Parliament to ensure these legislative priorities are addressed without further delay, urging all sides to prioritize national interest over political disputes.
“The Supreme Court has made the decision to let the sleeping dog lie. There are important bills to be passed before parliament rises. One of the bills is the temporary budget for handover so I will plead with the speaker to recall parliament, and let the sleeping dog lie.
“Let parliament reopen, National Democratic Congress, you have made your point. Ghanaians who will support you will support, those who will not, will not do it. So, please go back to your seats and let Parliament work. Mr Speaker, recall parliament,” he said during an interview on TV3 on Friday, November 15.
Mr Jantuah warned the Majority against celebrating the Supreme Court decision to cause dissatisfaction amongst their colleagues in the Minority.
“The NPP shouldn’t now walk into parliament and celebrate, that arouses a lot of dissension.”
On Tuesday, November 12, the Supreme Court nullified Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant, ruling in favor of a challenge brought by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
In its detailed judgment released on Thursday, November 14, The five justices who side with the Majority Leader clarified that a parliamentary seat can only be declared vacant if a lawmaker switches political parties while retaining their position in Parliament.
The ruling further stated that the Speaker’s decision could not take effect within the current parliamentary term.
However, two dissenting justices argued that the Supreme Court lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate the case, highlighting a divide in the interpretation of the Court’s authority on such matters.
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