Ghana’s Supreme Court has overturned a decision by Parliament Speaker Alban Bagbin that had declared four parliamentary seats vacant, effectively halting legislative activities.
The initial ruling last week raised concerns, as it came less than two months before Ghana’s December 7 general elections.
Speaker Bagbin’s move left Parliament unable to operate, adding tension to an already close election season amid ongoing economic recovery efforts.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo explained the urgency of the Supreme Court’s decision, citing the potential harm to hundreds of thousands of affected constituents.
“Given the irreparable harm that could be caused to the constituencies… it is necessary for this court to address this dispute promptly,” she stated.
The controversy stems from a political standoff between President Nana Akufo-Addo’s ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The NDC gained a slight majority in Parliament following the defection of four lawmakers. However, Ghana’s constitution prohibits members of Parliament from defecting to run for another party or as independents.
The four vacant seats included two NPP members, one NDC member, and one independent MP, all of whom were affected by the speaker’s declaration.
Ghana, often praised as a stable democracy in West Africa, now faces a critical election on December 7 amid heightened political tension.
The outcome could shape the nation’s direction as it seeks economic stability following a severe financial crisis.
