Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has voiced strong criticism of Ghana’s judiciary, asserting that recent actions by the Supreme Court amount to interference in parliamentary affairs.
Addressing the media on what the speaker described as Judiciary interference in parliamentary duties, amid rising tensions between the legislative and judicial Supreme Court in articular, Speaker Bagbin dismissed claims of a constitutional crisis, urging Ghanaians to avoid “pressing the panic button” and to allow the nation’s systems to function independently.
“There’s no constitutional crisis in Ghana; let nobody deceive you,” Bagbin asserted.
The Speaker’s remarks touch on a growing debate over the separation of powers in Ghana, particularly the judiciary’s role in reviewing parliamentary activities. Bagbin emphasized that under Ghana’s Constitution, parliamentary proceedings should not be subject to litigation.
“Happenings in Parliament cannot be the subject of litigation at the courts,” he stated, arguing that members of Parliament are too often inclined to seek judicial intervention on legislative matters.
He further expressed concern that the judiciary, together with the executive branch, might be colluding to undermine parliamentary independence, likening the situation to a power struggle between the branches of government.
“The judiciary and the executive are seemingly colluding to weaken Parliament,” he observed, adding that he sees the Supreme Court’s recent involvement in parliamentary issues as “interference in the work of Parliament.”
In a pointed comment, Bagbin urged both the judiciary and the executive to “repent” for actions he deemed unconstitutional. “Both the President and the Judiciary have sinned against the Constitution and must repent,” he remarked.
Bagbin also stressed his commitment to strengthening the parliamentary institution, despite the challenges. He noted that he often works to support the executive’s agenda within Parliament but is cautious to preserve the legislative body’s independence.
“As Speaker of Parliament, I hold the balance but sometimes bend backwards to get the business of the executive done,” he said.
On the issue of pending legislation, Bagbin instructed the Clerk of Parliament to re-submit the controversial anti-LGBTQI+ bill to President Nana Akufo-Addo for his assent, urging the judiciary to handle this matter with the same urgency as it has given recent parliamentary disputes.
“I respectfully call on the Supreme Court to apply the same swiftness to the human sexual rights and family values bill case as it has the vacant seats saga,” he noted.
In closing, Speaker Bagbin affirmed his belief in constitutional supremacy over judicial authority, reiterating that Parliament is accountable to the people and will protect its sovereignty.
“Parliament owes its duty to the people, and no person will be allowed to disrupt parliamentary proceedings,” he said, urging all parties to allow Parliament to address its internal matters independently.
This session underscores ongoing debates within Ghana over institutional checks and balances, raising important questions about the judiciary’s involvement in parliamentary affairs and the separation of powers in Ghana’s young democracy.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
