SC 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.
Video of Supreme Court ruling below:
Source: Joy News | Host: HR Forum News
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