The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, says he expects the Speaker of Parliament to respect the Supreme Court’s decision to stay the execution of his ruling on four MPs who crossed carpets.
His comment comes after Ghana’s apex court issued a stay of execution on the verdict by Speaker Alban Bagbin declaring the seats of the four legislators vacant.
The court’s decision effectively keeps the four MPs in parliament pending further legal proceedings.
“The court has determined the matter and has ordered the parties to file the necessary processes for the final determination of the matter. That is it. So we expect our colleagues and all those involved in this matter to respect the law, including the right honourable speaker. We don’t have any personal qualms with anybody. Ours is the law,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said.
Again on Friday, the Majority Leader filed a stay of execution following the Speaker’s ruling on Thursday, October 17.
The case was heard by a panel of justices chaired by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.
Other members of the panel included Justice Mariama Owusu, Justice Kwame Adibu Asiedu, Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu, and Justice Yaw Darko Asare.
The Speaker declared the four seats vacant following the decision of the legislators to cross carpets ahead of the upcoming December 7 elections.
The affected MPs are Peter Kwakyi Ackah of Amenfi Central, Cynthia Morrison of Agona West, Kwadjo Asante of Suhum, and Andrew Asiamah of Fomena.
While Peter Kwakyi Ackah, Cynthia Morrison, and Kwadjo Asante are contesting as independent candidates, Andrew Asiamah, who was in the House as an independent MP, is contesting the seat on the ticket of the NPP.
Delivering the verdict on Thursday, October 17, 2024, the Speaker said that by announcing their intent to switch political allegiances, these MPs have effectively forfeited their party affiliations, thus vacating their seats in Parliament.