Alliance for Civic Action condemns NPP minority rush to Supreme Court

The Alliance for Civic Action (ACA) has strongly condemned the Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s, hasty decision to seek Supreme Court intervention in a matter that falls squarely within parliamentary procedure. This move, according to ACA, not only underscores Afenyo-Markin’s inexperience in handling parliamentary affairs but also threatens the autonomy of Parliament as a co-equal branch of government.

Ghana’s 1992 Constitution clearly outlines the jurisdiction of parliamentary elections, vesting authority in the High Court as per Article 99. In contrast, Afenyo-Markin seeks the Supreme Court’s interpretation of Article 79(1)(g), sparking concerns about the Minority Leader’s commitment to upholding parliamentary sovereignty. Historically, parliamentary leaders like Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu and Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin have ensured Parliament’s independence by resolving internal matters without judicial interference.

“The Minority Leader’s actions raise serious questions about his dedication to preserving Parliament’s autonomy,” Francis Kwesi Badu-Mello, spokesperson for ACA, emphasized. “For decades, parliamentary leaders have upheld the legislative body’s independence; we cannot allow this precedent to be undermined.”

ACA is urging the Supreme Court to exercise restraint and defer to Parliament’s authority in addressing internal matters. “Parliament must retain its ability to interpret and enforce its rules without undue judicial interference,” Badu-Mello stressed. “The stability of our democracy relies on mutual respect between the judiciary, legislature, and executive. We call on all Ghanaians to remain vigilant and committed to the rule of law.”

Below is the full statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alliance For Civic Action Condemns Minority Leader’s Rush to Supreme Court over Parliamentary Issues

The Alliance For Civic Action (ACA) has observed with concern the recent developments in Ghana’s Parliament, notably the rushed decision by the Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to seek Supreme Court intervention on a matter clearly within the purview of parliamentary procedure. This action underscores a lack of experience in handling parliamentary affairs and threatens the autonomy of Parliament as a co-equal branch of government.

In what we believe to be a misguided appeal, Hon. Afenyo-Markin is reportedly seeking the Supreme Court’s interpretation of Article 79(1)(g) of the 1992 Constitution. However, the Constitution itself is clear: matters relating to parliamentary elections fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of the High Court, as outlined in Article 99. The Minority Leader’s actions not only contravene established parliamentary norms but also cast doubt on his commitment to upholding the sanctity and sovereignty of Parliament.

This unusual approach, coupled with the Supreme Court’s swift ruling, raises questions about the impartiality of this intervention. For decades, parliamentary leaders, including Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu and Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, have upheld Parliament’s independence by resolving its matters internally. ACA firmly believes this respect for legislative sovereignty is critical in maintaining a balanced, functioning democracy.

Alliance For Civic Action is calling on the Supreme Court to exercise restraint and defer to Parliament’s authority in addressing its internal matters. Parliament must retain the ability to interpret and enforce its rules without undue judicial interference, safeguarding its role as a co-equal arm of government.

In the spirit of upholding Ghana’s democratic principles, we urge all Ghanaians to remain vigilant and committed to the rule of law. The stability of our democracy relies on mutual respect between the judiciary, legislature, and executive.

Signed,
Francis Kwesi Badu-Mello
President:
Alliance For Civic Action (ACA)
Tell:0244819302