It is politically incorrect for the Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to misrepresent the Minority’s position regarding the request to declare the seats of four Members of Parliament (MPs) vacant. The call to seek constitutional interpretation through the courts is vague, and Afenyo-Markin should cease this political mischief and adhere to the laws governing Parliament.
Edudzi Tamekloe, Director of Legal Affairs for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), made these remarks on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra. He accused the Majority Leader of engaging in political gymnastics, suggesting that the NPP often attempts to use backdoor tactics to advance its agenda, overlooking the fact that the law will ultimately prevail.
In another development, the Speaker of Parliament has opted to delay a crucial ruling on a petition that seeks to declare the seats of four MPs vacant. The petition, initiated by former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, has sparked significant debate within the chamber.
During a recent parliamentary session, both the Majority and Minority factions presented their arguments. Central to the discussion is Iddrisu’s invocation of Article 97(1)(g) of the Constitution, which states that an MP must vacate their seat if they abandon the political party under which they were elected or choose to remain in Parliament as an independent candidate.
Iddrisu’s petition challenges the positions of three Majority MPs and one MP from his own NDC. Following a heated exchange, Speaker Alban Bagbin decided to defer his ruling, emphasizing the need for additional time to consider the constitutional implications and ensure a comprehensive and fair decision.
In addressing the House, Speaker Bagbin acknowledged receipt of Haruna Iddrisu’s petition and assured members that the matter would be thoroughly examined before a final judgment is made. This decision is being closely monitored, as it could significantly impact the balance of power in the House, with both Majority and Minority factions vying for control.
Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, speaking on the floor of Parliament, pointed out that the current independent candidate for Fomena, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, has filed with the Electoral Commission to contest as an NPP candidate. He also noted that Cynthia Mamle Morrison, the current MP for Agona West, has filed to contest as an independent candidate, while Kwadwo Asante, the NPP MP for Suhum, has similarly registered to run as an independent.
Dr. Forson referenced a previous case involving Amoako, in which the NPP argued that his decision to run as an independent candidate while being a sitting MP constituted a vacancy in his seat, a ruling upheld by then-Speaker Mike Oquaye. He urged the Speaker to enforce this precedent, asserting that the four MPs in question—Peter Kwakye-Ackah, Andrew Amoako Asiama, Cynthia Mamle Morrison, and Kwadwo Asante—should also be considered to have vacated their seats.
In response, Majority Leader Afenyo-Markin argued that the application lacks merit since no political party has petitioned the House to declare the seats vacant. He has filed an urgent legal action with the Supreme Court to seek clarification on the status of three MPs whose decisions to contest the upcoming December elections as NPP and independent candidates have sparked a constitutional crisis.
Afenyo-Markin’s legal challenge appears to be a preemptive move against the opposition’s stated intention to invoke Article 97(1)(g) of the Constitution concerning the status of these MPs. This development follows Haruna Iddrisu’s recent statement that the opposition intends to compel ruling party MPs seeking re-election as independents to vacate their seats.
The MPs at the center of Afenyo-Markin’s challenge include:
Cynthia Morrison – Current NPP MP for Agona West, running as an independent candidate.
Kwadwo Asante – Current NPP MP for Suhum, also contesting as an independent candidate.
Andrew Asiamah Amoako – Current independent MP for Fomena, filing to run as an NPP candidate.
Afenyo-Markin contends that these actions, aimed at the next parliamentary term, should not impact the MPs’ current status in the 8th Parliament.
Story by: Alexander Kukah
