The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has ruled that the caucuses in the House cannot appoint their leaders without the approval of their political parties.
He made this clarification on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, in response to a question from the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, who argued that the new standing orders of Parliament gave the MPs the right to elect their leaders.
According to Bagbin, the MPs are in Parliament on the ticket of their parties, and therefore, they cannot act independently of their parties’ interests and decisions.
He said the new standing orders did not override the constitutional provisions that recognized the role of political parties in the governance system.
He also cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Ayariga vs Attorney General and Electoral Commission, which affirmed the supremacy of political parties over independent candidates.
He said the caucuses in Parliament were expected to consult and collaborate with their parties in the selection of their leaders, and not to impose their choices on them.
He added that the parties had the right to withdraw or replace their representatives in Parliament if they were not satisfied with their performance or conduct.
He urged the MPs to respect the authority and wishes of their parties, and to work together for the common good of the nation.
He said the Parliament was not a separate entity from the parties, but a part of the democratic system that required cooperation and compromise. He expressed hope that the MPs and the parties would find a way to resolve their differences and to strengthen their relationship.
source: Business Day
