The former Head of the Department of Political Science at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr. Richard Amoako Baah says the Minority in Parliament cannot sue the Speaker, Alban Bagbin, over his decision to suspend Members of Parliament.
This comes on the back of the Speaker of Parliament suspended some four MPs following chaotic scenes at the Appointments Committee hearings on January 30 and 31.
The Speaker’s action has caused widespread debate over the legality and fairness of the move.
But, speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Deide Tettey, Dr. Amoako Baah emphasized the constitutional authority of the Speaker in managing the affairs of Parliament.
He argued that the Speaker, in executing his duties, is beyond the reach of legal action, as his powers are enshrined in the Constitution of Ghana.
“The Speaker cannot be sued in the pursuit of his duties. What court is going to uphold that? The powers of the Speaker are stated in the constitution. When the words are stated clearly, what interpretation do you need?” he questioned.
Dr. Amoako Baah further elaborated on the legal framework surrounding the Speaker’s powers, stressing that the court interprets the Constitution but cannot alter it unless instructed to do so by Parliament. “The court does what the constitution says; however, if the court thinks something should be changed, they write to Parliament,” he noted.
The comments come amid increasing criticism of the Speaker’s actions, with some arguing that the suspensions exceed constitutional limits.
Dr. Amoako Baah, however, maintained that the Speaker was well within his rights to impose such measures, asserting that the Constitution allows for such authority in the interest of maintaining order within the legislature.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Deborah Amuzu
