The Minority in Parliament is urging Speaker Alban Bagbin to declare the seats of four Members of Parliament (MPs) vacant in accordance with the constitution.
The MPs in question, representing Amenfi Central, Agona West, Suhum, and Fomena constituencies, have switched allegiances, prompting the Minority to call for their seats to be declared vacant under Article 97 of the Constitution.
Citing precedent set by former Speaker Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, the Minority argues that the current Speaker must follow constitutional dictates and take swift action on the matter.
MP for Saboba, Joseph Nikpe Bukari, speaking to Journalist ahead of Bagbin’s much-anticipated ruling, stressed the need for consistency in parliamentary procedure.
He warned that actions must come with consequences, urging the Speaker to uphold the rule of law.
“We must follow the precedent set. If someone has acted contrary to the constitution, then the same principle should apply, and the seats should be declared vacant,” Bukari stated.
Article 97 and Its Implications
The controversy centers around Article 97(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates that MPs who switch political parties or become independent after being elected on a party ticket should vacate their seats.
The Minority believes the Speaker should act on this article to prevent MPs from defecting without consequences.
Joseph Bukari emphasized that the constitution must guide all parliamentary actions, saying, “If the constitution is to serve as our guide, then we must be ready to face its consequences. We expect the Speaker to declare those seats vacant to ensure fairness and transparency.”
Concerns Over Political Allegiances
The Minority’s call reflects broader concerns over MPs defecting from their parties, which they argue undermines the integrity of the electoral process. By enforcing Article 97, they hope to prevent MPs from abandoning their party affiliations without accountability.
In response to the Minority’s demands, Bagbin is expected to deliver a ruling on the matter, which could have significant implications for the political landscape ahead of the 2024 general elections. The ruling will be closely watched as it may set a precedent for handling similar cases in the future.
Challenges Facing MPs in Flood-Affected Areas
Meanwhile, MP for Saboba, Joseph Nikpe Bukari, raised concerns about the ongoing floods in parts of the Northern Region, which have cut off several communities, including his own constituency.
He appealed to the government for urgent intervention, particularly in road infrastructure and agriculture, to assist the affected populations.
Bukari called on the Ministry of Roads and Highways to prioritize the rehabilitation of roads in flood-hit areas to restore access to basic services.
He also appealed to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to provide support to farmers whose crops have been destroyed by the floods.
“The people of Saboba are in dire need of help. Our farms have been destroyed, and economic activities have come to a standstill. We urge the government to take swift action to alleviate the suffering in these areas,” he said.
The Minority’s push for the vacant seat declaration and the MP’s appeal for flood relief highlight the pressing issues facing Parliament as it reconvenes.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
