KEY POINTS
- Speaker Bagbin claims judicial and executive interference threatens Parliament’s sovereignty.
- Bagbin urges MPs to resolve issues internally rather than through the courts.
- He warns that judicial interference in parliamentary matters sets a dangerous precedent for Ghana’s democracy.
The Speaker of Parliament of Ghana, Alban S.K. Bagbin has expressed observations of interference by the two arms of government, the judiciary and the executive to the legislature, noting that such a development is dangerous to their functions.
Addressing the press during the congress in Accra, the Speaker advised that the current occurrences are indicative of an underlying battle between the executive arm of government of Ghana that is likely to weaken the democracy of the country.
Judicial and executive collusion allegations
Bagbin expressed that Parliament represents the sovereign will of the people and any undue interference by the judiciary or executive compromises its independence.
He likened the current standoff to a “power play” among branches, cautioning that it threatens to destabilize the nation’s democratic system.
“The outcome of these actions could subvert the constitutional order that Ghanaians have fought hard to build,” Bagbin said.
In his address, Bagbin accused the judiciary of overstepping by involving itself in parliamentary affairs, which he argues is constitutionally protected from external review.
Referring to Articles 115 and 116 of the 1992 Constitution, he emphasized that freedom of speech and proceedings within Parliament are legally shielded from judicial scrutiny.
Urges MPs to refrain from court battles
Bagbin urged members of Parliament to resist the temptation of seeking judicial intervention in parliamentary matters. Moreover, he warned that this practice could erode the institution’s respect and weaken its sovereignty.
“When MPs continually turn to the courts, we risk damaging the institution’s integrity and the authority it commands,” Bagbin noted.
According to Graphic Online, he highlighted a recent instance where the executive declined to receive Parliament’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill, despite it being fully processed and passed by Parliament.
This, he argued, exemplifies a concerning precedent where judicial and executive actions challenge Parliament’s autonomy. Furthermore, Bagbin stressed that the judiciary’s involvement in this matter sets a “dangerous precedent” for Ghana’s democratic journey.
Call for internal resolution
Bagbin also urged the MPs to avoid seeking the help of other bodies to settle disputes, instead to do it in a more mature manner.
“Our democracy is anchored and stabilized through checks and balances we exercise, but let these not turn to meddling,” he added.
Most importantly, Bagbin often urged Parliament to sort out internal disputes in a healthy manner as MPs to ensure that the institution is shielded ”and its decisions respected.”
He then called on the judiciary and the executive arm of government to adhere to the limits of its parliamentary powers.
Bagbin reiterated his loyalty to enhance the Parliament of Ghana in the observed democracy by making what he termed as internal solidarity and sovereignty as vital components of the Parliament.
