Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga has voiced his disapproval of the Supreme Court’s decision to halt Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling, which had declared four parliamentary seats vacant.

Ayariga argued that this action represents an unconstitutional overreach by the judiciary into parliamentary matters, thereby violating the separation of powers between the two branches of government.

In a discussion on Eyewitness News on October 18, Ayariga asserted that the Supreme Court had overstepped its authority and that its ruling infringes on Parliament’s independence.

He emphasized that the judiciary's interference undermines the clear constitutional limits designed to protect the autonomy of the legislative body.

Furthermore, Ayariga questioned the legality of the Court’s intervention, stressing the importance of each branch of government respecting its constitutional boundaries.

“What can happen is that when parliament goes through its proper processes and exercises its power, if you think that the act contravenes the constitution, you can go to the Supreme Court and seek a declaration to that effect.

“What happened today is not a declaration of whether the matter that occurred in parliament yesterday was in contravention of the constitution. It is an unconstitutional interference with the work of parliament by suspending the decision of parliament.

“The constitution doesn’t say that they have the power of injunction. Rather, the constitution says that they make a declaration,” he stated.

Ahead of the Speaker’s ruling on Thursday, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin took urgent legal action, filing with the Supreme Court on Tuesday, October 15, to seek clarification on the status of the four MPs, who had decided to contest the upcoming December 2024 elections either as members of the NPP or as independent candidates.

On Friday, Afenyo-Markin also filed for a stay of execution of the Speaker’s ruling.

In response, the Supreme Court’s stay order temporarily suspends any actions related to the ruling, including the declaration of the seats as vacant.

This legal intervention ensures that the four MPs will retain their positions in Parliament until the court delivers a final verdict. It is also expected to maintain the current composition of Parliament, allowing for uninterrupted legislative duties.