Executive Director of the African Center for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), Dr. Rasheed Draman, has raised concerns over the timing of Speaker Alban Bagbin's decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant, a move that has ignited political tensions and debate.

On October 17, Speaker Bagbin ruled that the seats held by Cynthia Mamle Morrison (NPP, Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (NPP, Suhum), Peter Kwakye-Ackah (NDC, Amenfi Central), and Andrew Amoako Asiamah (an independent MP from Fomena who recently rejoined the NPP) were vacant. This decision followed allegations of constitutional violations by the MPs.

In a recent interview, Dr. Draman expressed doubts about whether this was the right time to make such a significant ruling, especially with the country heading toward national elections. He highlighted the potential implications of this decision on the political climate and parliamentary operations.

While acknowledging the legal provisions that permit such declarations, Dr. Draman urged caution, stressing that these decisions should be approached with careful consideration due to their impact on both the functioning of Parliament and the country’s democracy.

He also supported the Majority Leader’s call for the courts to provide clarity on the matter, warning that any boycott of Parliament would not be in the country’s best interest, particularly during an election year.