Speaker to rule on petition to Dismiss 4 MPs today

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, is set to deliver a ruling today, Thursday, October 17, regarding a petition seeking to declare the seats of four Members of Parliament (MPs) vacant.

This critical decision comes after extensive discussions and arguments presented by both the Majority and Minority sides of the House concerning the petition filed by former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu.

The petition specifically targets three Majority MPs and one MP from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), invoking Article 97 (1)(g) of the Constitution.

This constitutional provision stipulates that an MP must vacate their seat if they leave the party under which they were elected or attempt to remain in Parliament as an independent candidate.

This situation has sparked significant debate within Parliament, highlighting the political tensions between the ruling party and the opposition.

During a heated parliamentary debate on Tuesday, Speaker Bagbin acknowledged the gravity of the matter and requested an additional two days to deliver a well-reasoned ruling.

He emphasised the importance of thorough deliberation before making a decision that could have far-reaching implications for the MPs involved and their respective constituencies.

“So please, kindly give me these two days, and I’ll come here with a well-written ruling. I will submit it to all of you, so that at the end of the day, justice would have not only been done but would have been seen to be manifestly done in this matter,” he said.

In his petition, Haruna Iddrisu argued that the four MPs should be disqualified based on their current affiliations and actions, thus raising questions about their legitimacy in Parliament.

This move has intensified the ongoing political rivalry, as the NDC seeks to challenge the status quo and regain influence in Parliament.

In response to the Minority’s petition, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has taken legal action by filing an injunction application at the Supreme Court.

This move is intended to block the Minority’s efforts to declare the seats of the Independent candidates vacant, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing situation.

As the Speaker prepares to issue his ruling, all eyes are on Parliament, where the outcome could significantly affect the composition of the House and the political landscape in Ghana.

The ruling will not only determine the fate of the implicated MPs but may also influence the strategies and dynamics of both major political parties leading up to the upcoming elections.