Members of Parliament affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have affirmed their dedication to upholding the constitution and prioritizing the welfare of the Ghanaian people.
In response to the recent ruling by the Speaker, which resulted in the vacancies of four MPs just 50 days before Election 2024, the NPP emphasized their commitment to safeguarding democracy.
They expressed confidence in the Supreme Court and the country’s democratic institutions to rectify this situation and uphold the core principles of the Fourth Republic.
While acknowledging the potential impact on the government’s legislative agenda for the remainder of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s term, they remain resolute in their support for the democratic process.
Nevertheless, we are confident that this sacrifice is essential in establishing a strong defense of our Constitution and protecting the desires of the Ghanaian populace.
The prioritization of our democratic values and the maintenance of our constitutional framework should be given greater importance than immediate legislative objectives.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin made his ruling on Thursday evening [Oct 17] after a petition was submitted by the Minority side last Tuesday.
The ruling indicated that four MPs have vacated their seats in the current Parliament due to their decisions to contest the December 7, 2024 parliamentary election in various capacities – either as independent candidates or on the ticket of a political party.
The four MPs in question are Cynthia Mamle Morrison for Agona West, Kwadjo Asante for Suhum, and Peter Kwakye-Ackah for Amenfi Central, who have filed to contest the next parliamentary election as independent candidates. Additionally, Andrew Amoako Asiamah, MP for Fomena and Second Deputy Speaker, who was elected as an independent candidate, has filed to contest the next election on the NPP ticket.
With the Speaker’s ruling on Thursday evening, the NDC now holds the majority in Parliament with 136 seats, while the NPP has 135 seats. According to Article 97, an MP may vacate their seat if they leave the party they were a member of at the time of their election, join another party, seek to remain in Parliament as an independent member, or if they were elected as an independent candidate and join a political party.
Speaker Alban Bagbin emphasized the importance of informing the House about vacancies of Members’ seats in Parliament as outlined in the Standing Orders, specifically Order 18, due to the provisions of Article 97 of the Constitution. The Speaker proceeded to notify the House that the mentioned Members of Parliament have vacated their seats due to their actions.
Watch a video of the Speaker’s ruling below
Just in: Speaker of Parliament declares seat of four MPs vacant. https://t.co/ZIlr27guVW #GhanaNews pic.twitter.com/N32k6sS15I
— DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) October 17, 2024
