The Supreme Court has ruled that Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin’s application to overturn its previous decision regarding the declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant lacks merit.

This ruling follows a challenge brought forth by Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin, prompting the Court to affirm its earlier stance that allows the four MPs to retain their positions until the case is fully resolved.

In response, Bagbin’s legal team argued that the Supreme Court did not have jurisdiction over the matter, among other grounds presented in court.

However, after carefully considering the arguments from all parties, including those from the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, the Supreme Court affirmed its previous ruling, stating that the Speaker’s appeal lacked merit.

Chief Justice comments reflected this conclusion, emphasizing, “We have considered the application, and we have come to the conclusion that the grounds supporting the application have no merit”.

In a related development, the Court also dismissed an objection from Thaddeus Sory, Bagbin’s counsel, regarding Justice Ernest Gaewu’s participation.

Mr Sory argued that Gaewu’s history as a parliamentary candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) might present a conflict of interest. However, the Supreme Court rejected this claim.

This decision follows an October 18 directive from the Court instructing Parliament to allow the four MPs to continue their duties until the case is resolved, effectively putting the Speaker’s declaration made on October 17 on hold.

The ruling is significant, as both factions in Parliament currently assert their claim to a majority.