The Alliance for Civic Action (ACA) expresses concern over recent developments in Ghana’s Parliament, particularly the expedited decision by the Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to seek Supreme Court intervention on a matter clearly within the scope of parliamentary procedure. This action signals a troubling lack of experience in managing parliamentary affairs and threatens the autonomy of Parliament as a co-equal branch of government.
In what we consider to be a misguided appeal, Hon. Afenyo-Markin has reportedly sought the Supreme Court’s interpretation of Article 79(1)(g) of the 1992 Constitution. However, the Constitution is unequivocal: matters related to parliamentary elections fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of the High Court, as outlined in Article 99. This appeal not only contradicts established parliamentary norms but also casts doubt on the Minority Leader’s commitment to upholding the sovereignty and integrity of Parliament.
This unprecedented approach, coupled with the swift ruling by the Supreme Court, raises concerns about the impartiality of this intervention. For decades, parliamentary leaders—including Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu and Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin—have upheld the independence of Parliament by resolving internal matters autonomously. ACA strongly believes that maintaining legislative sovereignty is crucial for ensuring a balanced and functioning democracy.
The Alliance for Civic Action calls on the Supreme Court to exercise restraint and respect Parliament’s authority in addressing its internal affairs. Parliament must retain the ability to interpret and enforce its own rules without undue judicial interference, safeguarding its role as a co-equal arm of government.
In the spirit of preserving Ghana’s democratic values, we urge all Ghanaians to remain vigilant and committed to the rule of law. The stability of our democracy depends on mutual respect among the judiciary, the legislature, and the executive.
Signed,
Francis Kwesi Badu-Mello
Alliance for Civic Action (ACA)
Tel: 0244819302
