Vacant Seat: Speaker’s lawyers absent as Supreme Court defers ruling

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The Supreme Court has deferred its ruling on the four vacant parliamentary seats.

The case, which seeks to prevent the removal of four MPs due to their decision to cross carpets in the upcoming December 7 election, was adjourned on October 30.

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo had previously instructed the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to submit relevant documents by Wednesday, November 6.

This followed a request by the Speaker’s lawyer, Thaddeus Sory, for additional time to consult with the Speaker and gather the necessary instructions.

However, during the hearing on Monday, November 11, Speaker Bagbin’s lawyers did not file any legal documents, and there was no legal representation present.

The seven-member panel, presided over by Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, proceeded to hear the case because the plaintiff, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and the Attorney-General (the second defendant) had both filed their processes.

The Apex Court is expected to hear the case and deliver its ruling on Tuesday, November 12. Chief Justice Torkornoo announced the date after hearing both sides, indicating that the court is prepared to provide clarity on the matter.

The Attorney-General expressed strong disapproval of the Speaker’s legal team’s actions, particularly criticizing Thaddeus Sory for his absence. The Attorney-General argued that Mr. Sory’s failure to appear in court or submit the required documents demonstrated a lack of respect for the judicial process.

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