Renowned Ghanaian legal practitioner Tsatsu Tsikata has added his voice to the ongoing controversy surrounding the declaration of four parliamentary seats vacant.
Mr Tsikata has raised concerns over the Supreme Court’s handling of the case, particularly the dismissal of a request for the recusal of a panel member, Justice Ernest Gaewu.
He also criticised the stay of execution order on Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration.
In an interview on Accra-based GHOne TV, the lawyer stated there is no legal basis for the order.
“First of all, there is really no legal basis for a stay of execution of a ruling of the Speaker. The Supreme Court and other courts have the authority to stay execution of decisions within the court system.
“But you don’t apply for a stay of execution of something that happens within another arm of government, which is the arm of the Speaker,” he stated.
There have been recent tensions in the legislative house amidst divisions between the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) lawmakers over the declaration of four seats.
The affected MPs are Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadwo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central).
Cynthia Morrison and Mr Asante are NPP MPs who have filed to contest the 2024 general election as independent candidates.
But the NPP has accused Speaker Bagbin of conspiring with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to give the latter an advantage in the House.
Mr Afenyo-Markin has said that a Speaker who is receptive to differing opinions is essential for ensuring that Parliament operates smoothly and in line with democratic principles.
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