Tuesday, 05 November

Bagbin acted fairly in accordance with Constitution – Atik Mohammed

Politics
Atik Mohammed

Policy analyst and former General Secretary of the People's National Convention (PNC), Mr Atik Mohammed, has labelled the ongoing impasse in Ghana’s Parliament as a "super-messy" situation, following legal battles involving the Speaker of Parliament, the Judiciary, and the now 'Mnority' side of Parliament.

mR Atik Mohammed's remarks come in response to a dramatic turn of events in Parliament on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, when the former Majority caucus staged a walkout.

This occurred after the former Minority caucus, now recognized as the 'Majority caucus,' took their seats on the right-hand side of the Speaker.

The incident follows a petition to the Supreme Court by Majority Leader and Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, seeking clarification on the constitutional position regarding members of Parliament who intend to contest as independent candidates.

This issue was sparked by former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu during a political rally, raising questions about the status of some MPs who have switched allegiance.

Mr Atik Mohammed expressed his deep concern over the escalating tensions in Parliament, particularly as Ghana approaches general elections in just two months.

"It is a super-messy situation. It is messy on many levels—on the level of the Supreme Court, on the level of Parliament, and on the level of the politicians," Atik Mohammed remarked.

He argued that there was no need to seek clarity from the Supreme Court, as the Constitution clearly outlines the conditions under which a parliamentary seat can be declared vacant.

Mr Atik Mohammed also defended Speaker Alban Bagbin’s actions, stating that Bagbin had acted fairly and in accordance with the Constitution.

He expressed surprise at the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Speaker’s ruling, describing it as unfounded.

He spoke on Accra-based Peace FM.

Source: Classfmonline.com/Cecil Mensah