Rt. Hon. S. K. Alban Bagbin has stated that the current brouhaha witnessed in parliament may be licensed as a “power play between the arms of government” and can potentially undermine democracy and the authority of Parliament.
“Its outcomes could subvert Ghana’s constitutional order and the democratic system Ghanaians have toiled, sacrificed their lives, and shed blood to establish for decades,” he said
The speaker made this statement when he addressed the media on Wednesday, November 6,2024 on the current brouhaha happening in parliament and the judiciary.
According to the speaker,the recent acts of the Judiciary and the Executive interference in the workings of Parliament pose a direct challenge to the essence,jurisdiction,authority,powers,and functioning of the esteemed institution of Parliament,which is the repository of the sovereign will of the people of Ghana.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that the Judiciary and the Executive are seemingly colluding to weaken parliament”he added
Bagbin however noted that the powers of the Judiciary ends where the nose of Parliament starts,citing Article 115 and 116 which grants members of Parliament privileges and immunity of speech ,debates ,and proceedings on any matter or thing brought by a member ,in or before Parliament,by petition,Bill,motion or otherwise.
He further added this might be one of the reasons Parliament and MPs are not respected and treated with disdain.
“This was exhibited by the President’s refusal to even receive the LGBTQ+ Bill duly processed and passed by Parliament and the Judiciary is supportive of such conduct by the receipt and processing of a suit on this subject matter. These are dangerous precedent in our democratic journey”
“They have sinned against the Constitution and must seek the opportunity to confess and repent and to be forgiven” he lamented
