The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban S.K. Bagbin has encouraged the applicant on the voting rights case at the Supreme Court to go for a review following the 7-0 unanimous ruling last Wednesday by the Supreme Court that Deputy Speakers can vote.
In a statement, Mr Bagbin said the Supreme Court decision, "is to say the least, not only an absurdity but a reckless incursion into the remit of Parliament." He stated: "the trend of unanimity is equally troubling. It doesn’t help explore and expand our legal jurisprudence."
"The President’s [Akufo-Addo] comment is myopic and unfortunate. It only goes to worsen the schism between the Executive and Parliament." he added.
Below is a copy of the statement
Message from Hon Alban S.K. Bagbin
Good morning comrades. I have resisted the temptation of making a comment on the judgment of the Supreme Court on the issue of the voting rights of Deputy Speakers when presiding. But the unfortunate and myopic comment of the President has compelled me to let it out.
The SC decision, is to say the least, not only an absurdity but a reckless incursion into the remit of Parliament.
The trend of unanimity is equally troubling. It doesn’t help explore and expand our legal jurisprudence.
The President’s comment is myopic and unfortunate. It only goes to worsen the schism between the Executive and Parliament.
The impartiality of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker or Presiding Officer has been tresusured and fought for by this country throughout our democratic development.
Mr. President, the issue being discussed is not about Parliament being above the law. Everyone knows that Parliament is not above the law. The Executive and the Judiciary are equally not above the law. The issue being discussed is the political question doctrine. It took centuries to detail out the strands of this doctrine and the principles are settled as to when and how this closed book could be opened.
Please, I encourage the Plaintiff to go for a review.
By Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin.
Speaker of Parliament
Republic of Ghana.
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Very surprised that a Speaker of parliaments talk this way. Very dishonorable but i think it is time he resigns. What necessitated his immediate response to this ruling whiles in Dubai. Or he wants to rub shoulders with the Presidents and the supreme court judges. Do you know better than the supreme court judges who interpret the constitution? Mr. Speaker, you are always angry when you are being challenged in the plenary, worse still you shout ***barred word*** to people you refer to as honorable. However, when rulings don't go your way you go angry and shout invectives in writing. Am very sad for Ghana, for having him as Speaker of Parliament.
Since you are so interested why don’t you go for a 7-0 review. Don’t forget to take your medication.
Alban Bagbin has done a GREAT to our parliament in the 4th republic. He is in Dubai on tax payers money to heal himself because of democracy, yet look at his action! SHAMFUL!