The Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta-Akyea, has dismissed claims that the Supreme Court acts as an extension of the Jubilee House, calling such assertions misguided and uninformed.
Atta-Akyea argued that critics making these allegations lack a proper understanding of legal principles and the judiciary’s role.
His comments come in response to the backlash against the Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV with Selorm Adonoo, Atta-Akyea defended the Supreme Court’s integrity, describing its members as distinguished and impartial legal professionals committed to upholding the rule of law.
“Those who say that the Supreme Court is an extension of the Jubilee House and they will rubber stamp what we want. Two judges [Justice Lovelace Johnson and Justice Amadu Tanko] are showing that they can think differently, the Supreme Court is a forum of good people.
“And we shouldn’t say that the Supreme Court is an extension of the executive. Those who believe in this position, do not understand the rule of law. And it’s very subversive of the constitution to be going that route.”
On Tuesday, November 12, the Supreme Court overturned the decision made by Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin to declare four parliamentary seats vacant. This ruling was in favour of a challenge presented by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
In a detailed ruling delivered on Thursday, November 14, the five justices who backed the Majority Leader asserted that a parliamentary seat can only be considered vacant if a legislator switches political parties while retaining their role in Parliament.
However, two justices voiced their disagreement, arguing that the Supreme Court lacked the jurisdiction to adjudicate the matter, thereby highlighting a difference in interpretation concerning the Court’s powers in relation to these issues.
Source: citinewsroom.com