Majority leader seeks injunction at SC against declaration of independent seats vacant

Effutu Constituency's Majority Leader and Member of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has filed a case with the Supreme Court, challenging both the Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney General.

 His legal request aims to block the Speaker from ruling on a motion presented by the Minority in Parliament, which seeks to have certain parliamentary seats declared vacant.

The Minority is particularly calling for the Speaker to declare Andrew Asiamah Amoako's seat, the Second Deputy Speaker and MP for Fomena, vacant. Amoako had originally won his seat as an independent candidate in 2020 but plans to contest the 2024 elections under the New Patriotic Party (NPP). 

They are also seeking a similar declaration for Mamle Morrison, the MP for Agona West, who intends to run as an independent candidate in the 2024 elections despite currently being an NPP member. Kwadjo Asante, the MP for Suhum, is also involved in the Minority's petition due to his plans to run as an independent candidate in the next elections.

Afenyo-Markin argues that Amoako’s decision to run on the NPP ticket for the next parliamentary term does not mean his seat as an independent MP in the 8th Parliament should be declared vacant. He also contends that Morrison’s decision to run independently for the next term does not automatically vacate her seat as an NPP MP. His suit aims to prevent the Speaker from declaring these seats vacant or taking action based on constitutional provisions regarding MPs who change political affiliation during their term.