In a landmark decision, Ghana’s Supreme Court has ruled that Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant is unconstitutional. The ruling was delivered in a 5-2 majority decision on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, presiding over the brief session, stated that the Speaker’s decision would not stand, with the full reasons for the judgment to be provided on Wednesday, November 13.
“By a majority decision of 5-2, with Justices Lovelace Johnson and Ahmadu Tanko dissenting on the question of jurisdiction, the plaintiff’s action is upheld,” Chief Justice Torkornoo announced, noting that the complete judgment and orders would be formally filed with the registrar by the close of the next day.
This ruling represents a critical interpretation of parliamentary authority and constitutional limits, marking a significant point in the ongoing debate over parliamentary procedures in Ghana.
