The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, is expected to deliver a ruling on October 17, on a petition requesting the removal of four Members of Parliament (MPs) who have filed to run as independent candidates in the upcoming December elections.
This petition stems from the constitutional requirement that Members of Parliament in Ghana must represent political parties and adhere to their party’s mandates throughout their term. Article 97 of the 1992 Constitution mandates that an MP must vacate their seat if they leave the party under which they were elected. This rule aims to maintain party unity and ensure the integrity of parliamentary representation.
However, controversy has arisen around whether MPs who declare their intention to contest as independent candidates while still in office are violating the constitution. With the upcoming December elections, these MPs’ decision to run independently has sparked both legal and political debates, leading to today’s highly anticipated ruling by Speaker Bagbin. This case follows previous instances where independent candidacies resulted in MPs losing their seats, creating uncertainty for those involved.
The petition, filed by the Minority in Parliament, targets Cynthia Morrison, MP for Agona West, Kojo Asante, MP for Suhum, Andrew Asiamah, MP for Fomena, and Peter Kwakye Ackah, MP for Amenfi Central. The Minority contends that by declaring their intention to run independently, these MPs have breached parliamentary regulations.
Peter Kwakye Ackah, one of the MPs involved, has expressed little concern about the impending decision. “I have not declared that I have left the party. I am only declaring my intention that in the next parliament, I would want to be an independent candidate,” Mr. Ackah clarified. He further explained, “If somebody is also an NPP or NDC now, and he wants to go independent, he is not saying that he is leaving NPP. He is saying that in the next parliament, he doesn’t want to go with NPP again.”
Mr. Ackah also acknowledged the potential repercussions but maintained a calm outlook. “If you take any action, there should be a reaction. So, you must be ready for it. Because if you say you are going independent and the Speaker rules that your seat is vacant, what can you do? You cannot challenge them because they have been imprisoned already.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Mary Asantewaa Buabeng
