Removal of four MPs: Supreme Court Holds Sway Over Parliamentary Rules – KT Hammond
Accra, Ghana – Tensions are rising in Ghana’s Parliament following the speaker’s ruling on four MPs.
The member of parliament for Adansi Asokwa constituency and Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon. K. T. Hammond, the Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa. In an interview with The Metro Lens Newspaper, K.T Hammond accused the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, of conspiring with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to remove four Members of Parliament, thereby shifting the balance of power in favor of the opposition party.
The Honorable Minister’s allegations come in the wake of the removal of four MPs: Andrew Asiamah (Independent, Fomena), Cynthia Morrison Agona West (NPP), Kwadjo Asante, Suhum (NPP) and Peter Kwakye
Ackah, Amenfi Central (NDC). The removals have sparked outrage among members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who view this as a deliberate strategy by the NDC to gain a parliamentary majority.
“Precedents are necessary in law, but even Supreme Courts can overturn their own decisions. The Constitution allows for that,” Hammond argued. He referenced a previous incident during the tenure of former Speaker Mike Oquaye, when Andrew Asiamah was removed after filing nominations as an independent candidate “At that time, we had about 136 members, and removing one wasn’t relevant to us. We chose not to challenge that decision in court. However, the current Speaker has stated he is not bound to follow previous rulings, but went ahead to follow precedent which undermines the integrity of our parliamentary procedures.”
Hammond further criticized Speaker Bagbin’s assertion that he aims for peace in the House, suggesting that his actions have only deepened divisions. “One thing Justice Kulendi said that I love so much is that when you sit in Parliament, you claim to be masters of your own procedure and rules, but that’s a lie. Your rules and procedures have a master, which is the Supreme Court. We cannot do whatever we like and go scot-free,” he stated emphatically.
The political landscape in Ghana is increasingly fraught, with both the NPP and the NDC accusing each other of undermining democratic principles. As the situation unfolds, many are calling for clarity and interpretation from the Supreme Court to ensure that parliamentary procedures are followed correctly and justly.
As the dust settles, the implications of these removals may have far-reaching consequences for both the NPP and the NDC, as well as for the governance of the nation. Observers are closely watching how this power struggle will play out in the coming weeks and whether the Supreme Court will intervene to provide much-needed clarity on the matter.
The controversy serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of power within Ghana’s political system and the critical role that parliamentary procedures play in maintaining democracy. As both parties prepare for what could be a tumultuous period ahead, the Ghanaian public is left to ponder the future of their representation in Parliament.