Government Spokesperson Urges NDC MPs to Respect Supreme Court Ruling Ahead of Parliamentary Session
In a recent statement, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Dankwah, the Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, has called on the Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament to adhere to a Supreme Court ruling that impacts their seating arrangements. This appeal comes as the Parliament is set to reconvene on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, following a controversial ruling by Speaker Alban Bagbin that had declared four parliamentary seats vacant.
Dr. Boakye-Dankwah emphasized the importance of constitutional supremacy over parliamentary supremacy, urging the Minority leader, Cassiel Ato Forson, to respect the court’s directive. He stated, "In this country, we don’t run parliamentary supremacy… What we run is constitutional supremacy." His remarks were made during an appearance on TV3’s "Key Points," where he reiterated that the Majority Caucus, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, should occupy their designated seats, while the Minority should do the same.
The Supreme Court’s intervention came on October 18, 2024, when it issued a stay of execution on Speaker Bagbin’s ruling, allowing the affected MPs—Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central), and Andrew Asiamah (Fomena)—to continue representing their constituencies. The court’s directive remains in effect until a final ruling is made, underscoring the ongoing tensions between the Majority and Minority parties in Parliament.
Dr. Boakye-Dankwah’s comments reflect a broader concern regarding the respect for judicial authority in Ghana. He urged the Minority to recognize the Supreme Court’s ruling and to fulfill their roles as expected when Parliament convenes. "What will take place on Tuesday is that the Majority will lead the side of the House to sit on the majority side, whilst the Minority will sit on the minority side," he explained.
The backdrop to this situation involves a legal application filed by Members of Parliament from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who sought to halt the enforcement of Speaker Bagbin’s ruling. This application was filed ex parte, meaning it was done without notifying the Speaker or the Parliament, which has raised questions about procedural fairness.
As the political landscape in Ghana continues to evolve, the upcoming parliamentary session promises to be a significant moment for both the Majority and Minority parties. With tensions running high, all eyes will be on the actions of the MPs as they navigate the complexities of governance and the rule of law.
In conclusion, Dr. Boakye-Dankwah’s call for respect towards the Supreme Court ruling serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between legislative authority and judicial oversight in Ghana’s democracy. As Parliament prepares to reconvene, the implications of this ruling will undoubtedly shape the discourse and dynamics within the House.
