Bawku Central Member of Parliament (MP), Mahama Ayariga, has expressed doubts about the Supreme Court’s authority to suspend a decision made by the S
Bawku Central Member of Parliament (MP), Mahama Ayariga, has expressed doubts about the Supreme Court’s authority to suspend a decision made by the Speaker of Parliament.
In separate media interviews following a press conference the National Democratic Congress (NDC) side of MPs held at the weekend, Mr Ayariga noted that while the Supreme Court can declare whether an Act is consistent with the Constitution, it may be overstepping by intervening in parliamentary rulings.
Citing Articles II and 130 of the Constitution, Ayariga explained, “What we know is under Article II of the Constitution, and Article 130 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court has jurisdiction to make a declaration as to whether or not an Act is consistent or inconsistent with a provision of the constitution. But to suspend a decision of Parliament or directive of the Speaker in Parliament; we are not aware.”
Mr Ayariga’s comments followed a Supreme Court ruling on October 19, 2024, which paused an earlier decision by Speaker Alban Bagbin that declared four parliamentary seats vacant.
On October 18, 2024, Mr Bagbin had ruled that four MPs — Cynthia Morrison (NPP, Agona West), Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah (NDC, Amenfi Central), Kwadwo Asante (NPP, Suhum), and Andrew Asiamah Amoako (Independent, Fomena)—had defected by filing to contest the 2024 elections under different political tickets.
The Speaker’s ruling, which effectively terminated the MPs’ tenure, was based on Article 97 of the 1992 Constitution, which talks about how MPs shall vacate their seats.