Dafeamekpor goes to High Court, wants Speaker to affirm vacant seat ruling
By DL News
Published
1 min read
In his suit, Dafeamekpor requests that the court mandate the Speaker to clarify whether four seats in Parliament, currently unoccupied, are still considered held by their former occupants.
South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has taken legal action by filing a writ in the Accra High Court against Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.
In his suit, Dafeamekpor requests that the court mandate the Speaker to clarify whether four seats in Parliament, currently unoccupied, are still considered held by their former occupants.
He argues that these four members have effectively vacated their positions by opting to stand in the upcoming election under different political parties.
The MP also seeks a court declaration that any parliamentary sessions including these members after October 17 would be unlawful. According to Dafeamekpor, this position aligns with Article 97(1)(g) and (h) of the 1992 Constitution, which supports the Speaker’s October 17 decision regarding vacated seats.
As part of his suit, he requests an order to bar Fomena MP Andrew Amoako Asiamah, Agona West MP Cynthia Mamle Morrison, Sohum MP Kwadwo Asante, and Amenfi Central MP Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah from participating in parliamentary activities.
This case has sparked debate within the legal community, with mixed reactions. Some support the Speaker's decision, while others criticize it, suggesting procedural missteps. Since the Supreme Court issued a stay of execution on the Speaker’s declaration, Parliament has paused sessions.
In response to an ex parte application by NPP MPs, the Supreme Court has allowed the four members to continue their duties until it issues a final ruling on the matter. This application, filed without including Speaker Bagbin or other parliamentary representatives, was initially intended as a 10-day measure but now stands until a conclusive decision is reached.
