Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Supports Speaker Bagbin’s Ruling on Vacant Seats

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu and Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, has argued that Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin’s recent ruling to declare four parliamentary seats vacant is rooted in a precedent set by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

Responding to the Speaker’s decision on Thursday, which affected four MPs, Ablakwa referenced a 2020 case in which former Speaker Professor Mike Ocquaye declared the seat of Fomena MP Andrew Amoako Asiamah vacant after he opted to run as an Independent candidate in the previous elections.

Ablakwa questioned the discontent among NPP members, asking why they did not challenge Ocquaye’s ruling in court. He asserted that the current Speaker follows established precedent, noting that Parliament operates on three pillars: the Constitution, standing orders, and conventions. “These three pillars drive government and guide parliamentary work,” he explained.

The NDC lawmaker suggested that Ghanaians can expect significant changes in the coming days, hinting at a potential shift in power dynamics. He asserted that these developments will offer hope to citizens who have faced hardships under the current administration. “Before the end of the 8th Parliament, we have raised numerous issues, won debates, but lacked the numbers to effect change,” he said.

He added, “We are now determined to ensure our numbers count to challenge draconian policies, such as those related to galamsey and exorbitant taxes that have burdened our people.” This determination to challenge and change current policies should instil hope in the audience for a better future.

On the evening of October 17, 2024, Speaker Bagbin officially declared four parliamentary seats vacant, just weeks ahead of the December elections.

This ruling resulted in a significant shift in the balance of power, with the NDC holding 136 seats while the NPP holds 135. Previously, the NPP had 138 seats to the NDC’s 137. This shift should raise concerns about the potential changes in the political landscape.

This ruling affects MPs Peter Yaw Kwakye Ackah of Amenfi Central (NDC), Andrew Amoako Asiamah of Fomena (Independent), Kojo Asante (NPP) of Suhum, and Cynthia Morrison (NPP) of Agona West.