Seat vacancy controversy: Supreme Court rejects Speaker’s application to set aside its earlier ruling

The Supreme Court has dismissed an application by Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who sought to overturn the Court’s ruling that suspended his declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant.

This follows an initial suit filed by Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin, challenging the Speaker’s declaration.

The Speaker’s legal team argued that the Supreme Court lacked jurisdiction in this case, among other grounds canvassed in court.

However, after hearing arguments from all parties, including the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, the Supreme Court maintained that its earlier ruling was appropriate, stating that the Speaker’s appeal was without merit.

“We have considered the application, and we have come to the conclusion that the grounds supporting the application have no merit,” the Chief Justice stated.

Prior to this decision, the Court also dismissed an objection raised by Thaddeus Sory, counsel for the Speaker, regarding the empaneling of Justice Ernest Gaewu.

Mr Sory argued that Justice Gaewu’s past role as a parliamentary candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) suggested a potential conflict of interest.

However, the Supreme Court rejected this claim.

This ruling comes after the Court, on October 18, instructed Parliament to allow the four MPs to continue their duties until the case is resolved, effectively pausing the Speaker’s declaration on October 17.

This decision holds particular significance as both sides in Parliament currently claim a majority.