John Jinapor Urges Supreme Court to Exercise Caution Amidst Parliamentary Seat Controversy
In a heated discussion on TV3’s Key Point show, John Abdulai Jinapor, the Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu, has called on the Supreme Court to tread carefully regarding the ongoing saga surrounding vacant parliamentary seats. Jinapor’s remarks come in the wake of a controversial ruling that has reignited tensions between the ruling government and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The backdrop to this unfolding drama is the recent declaration by Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, who announced that four parliamentary seats were vacant. This decision, made on October 17, was met with swift action from the Supreme Court, which intervened the following evening, halting the Speaker’s declaration. The court’s five-member panel, led by Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, ruled that declaring the seats vacant infringed upon the rights of the constituents represented by those MPs. As a result, the seats were reinstated, much to the relief of the affected members.
During the TV3 discussion, Jinapor expressed his concerns that President Nana Akufo-Addo is leveraging the judiciary to suppress the opposition. He emphasized that the NDC has its own strategies and will not be intimidated or bullied out of parliament. “Being a president comes with tact and maturity,” Jinapor stated, urging the President to exercise restraint and avoid confrontational tactics. “This attempt to push it down our throat, the attempt to rub shoulders with us, the attempt to use the Judiciary to gag us and to push us aside, I can assure you it will not happen, not under our watch,” he warned.
Jinapor’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within the NDC, which has been vocal about what they perceive as attempts by the ruling party to undermine their presence in parliament. The MP further advised the Supreme Court to consider the implications of their decisions more carefully, suggesting that they should have consulted with the Speaker before suspending his declaration.
The Supreme Court’s ruling has sparked discussions about the balance of power between the legislative and judicial branches in Ghana. Critics argue that the judiciary should not interfere in parliamentary matters, while supporters of the ruling believe it protects the rights of constituents who elected their representatives.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the NDC remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold its position in parliament. With Jinapor’s call for caution directed at the Supreme Court, it is clear that the opposition is prepared to stand its ground against any perceived encroachments on their parliamentary rights.
In the coming days, all eyes will be on the Supreme Court as it navigates this complex issue, and on the NDC as they strategize their next moves in the face of ongoing political challenges. The unfolding saga serves as a reminder of the intricate dance between governance, law, and the rights of the electorate in Ghana’s vibrant democracy.
