On Tuesday, Ghana’s Supreme Court issued a significant ruling, deeming the Speaker of Parliament’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant as unconstitutional. This ruling restores the New Patriotic Party (NPP) majority in Parliament just weeks ahead of the December 7 elections.
The case was brought before the court by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, leader of the NPP caucus, challenging Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision. Bagbin had previously ruled that two NPP members and one National Democratic Congress (NDC) member lost their seats after filing as independent candidates for the upcoming elections. Another NPP-affiliated lawmaker had also registered to run as an NPP candidate.
Bagbin’s decision had temporarily shifted the majority to the NDC, granting them 136 seats to the NPP’s 135. This led to the indefinite delay of two key parliamentary sessions, stalling essential legislative business, including the 2025 provisional budget approval and Supreme Court appointments.
In a televised statement, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo announced the 5-2 majority ruling, noting that a full explanation of the court’s reasoning would be released soon.
Afenyo-Markin praised the decision, highlighting its importance in allowing Parliament to resume crucial tasks. High on the agenda is approving a $250 million World Bank loan intended to strengthen Ghana’s financial sector and provide tax breaks to businesses.
The Speaker’s office has not yet commented on the court’s decision.
With the elections drawing near, polls indicate a likely face-off between NDC’s John Dramani Mahama and NPP’s Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia in what promises to be a closely contested race.
