Ghana’s Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that the Speaker of Parliament’s declaration of four vacant seats was unconstitutional, reinstating the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) majority in the legislature ahead of the December 7 elections.
The decision followed a petition from NPP caucus leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who sought to reverse Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling. Bagbin had declared that three lawmakers—two from the NPP and one from the National Democratic Congress (NDC)—lost their seats after registering as independents to contest the upcoming election. Additionally, a lawmaker affiliated with the NPP had registered to run as the party’s candidate.
Bagbin’s original ruling had shifted the parliamentary majority to the NDC, giving them 136 seats to the NPP’s 135, which led to delays in parliamentary proceedings. The postponements included the presentation of a provisional budget for 2025’s first quarter and the approval of key Supreme Court nominations, loans, and legislation.
In a televised ruling, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo announced that the court had upheld Afenyo-Markin’s appeal by a 5-2 majority. She added that the court would provide the reasons for its decision later.
The ruling is expected to allow parliament to resume normal activities, including the approval of a $250 million World Bank loan aimed at supporting the financial sector and providing tax relief to businesses.
Bagbin’s spokesperson declined to comment on the ruling.
With the election approaching, opinion polls suggest that opposition leader John Dramani Mahama could defeat the NPP’s candidate, Vice President Muhamudu Bawumia, though analysts predict a highly competitive race.
