Alban Bagbin Asserts No Constitutional Crisis Amid Parliamentary Dispute

Speaker Alban Bagbin denies that the current parliamentary situation constitutes a constitutional crisis, responding to Chief Justice Torkornoo’s claims. He advocates for a resolution through dialogue rather than court intervention, emphasizing Parliament’s authority regarding MPs’ party affiliations. This dispute reflects deeper tensions between the legislative and judicial branches in Ghana.

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, has made it clear that the ongoing situation in Parliament does not constitute a constitutional crisis, contrary to claims by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. In a media briefing on November 6, 2024, Bagbin called for calm and emphasized that the impasse could be resolved through constructive dialogue rather than relying on judicial intervention. He asserted that Parliament possesses the constitutional authority to revoke the seats of four MPs who have changed party allegiance or intend to run as independents in the upcoming elections. Bagbin accused the Executive and Judiciary of working in concert to undermine Parliamentary authority, a sentiment echoed by Chief Justice Torkornoo, who described the dispute regarding the four seats as an urgent constitutional crisis requiring immediate attention. During recent court proceedings, she expressed dissatisfaction with delays in the judicial process and warned of the potential ramifications of Parliament not being in session. The matter became even more critical as the Supreme Court dismissed an application from Bagbin, who contested a ruling that affected his ability to declare the seats vacant, following a challenge from MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

The ongoing dispute within the Ghanaian Parliament centers on the Speaker’s authority to declare certain parliamentary seats vacant. The constitutional validity of such declarations has sparked considerable debate, particularly after the Supreme Court ruled against Speaker Alban Bagbin’s attempts to overturn a decision regarding the status of four MPs. This impasse has led to differing interpretations of the constitutional implications, with Chief Justice Torkornoo labeling the situation a constitutional crisis, while Speaker Bagbin insists that it can be resolved internally by Parliament. The conflict raises concerns over the interplay between the legislative and judicial branches of government in Ghana.

In summary, Speaker Alban Bagbin has firmly denied claims of a constitutional crisis in Ghana, asserting that the situation regarding the four parliamentary seats can be resolved through parliamentary processes rather than judicial intervention. His stance highlights a significant rift between parliamentary authority and judicial oversight, illustrated by conflicting statements from various legal professionals, including Chief Justice Torkornoo. As the matter unfolds, the implications for parliamentary governance and the balance of power in Ghana remain a critical point of focus.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com