The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has announced that National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs will assume the Majority position in Parliament when it reconvenes on Tuesday, October 22, unless Speaker Alban Bagbin issues a different directive.
In an interview with the media, Mr Ayariga stressed that MPs are bound by the Speaker’s rulings, not the Supreme Court’s stay of execution on Bagbin’s earlier decision, which declared four parliamentary seats vacant.
He maintained that, the NDC caucus would follow Bagbin’s initial ruling until further notice.
“We will act according to Bagbin’s communiqué, and unless he instructs otherwise, we will follow his current decision. If he informs us of the court’s ruling, we will act accordingly, but our duty is to listen to the Speaker, not the court,” he said.
Mahama Ayariga criticized the Supreme Court for intervening, arguing that it should not interfere in Parliamentary affairs, as the constitution provides clear separation of powers.
“It’s surprising that the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, would involve itself in this matter when it should have stayed out. We are ignoring the Supreme Court because its involvement is unnecessary.
“This issue should not have been handled by the Supreme Court—it should have gone to the High Court. What was so urgent that the Supreme Court had to rule in less than 24 hours? It makes it seem like the Supreme Court is acting as an extension of the NPP,” he added.
Mr Ayariga’s comments follow Speaker Bagbin’s declaration on Thursday, October 17, that four parliamentary seats—Amenfi Central, Fomena, Suhum, and Agona West—were vacant due to MPs switching political affiliations or running as independents, in line with constitutional requirements.
However, the Supreme Court overturned Bagbin’s decision on Friday, October 18, granting a stay of execution after a request by Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
Source: Richard Nana Appiah Kubi/Ahotoronline.com
