Former Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Freddie Blay says he will be surprised if the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, disregard the Supreme Court ruling regarding the ongoing standoff in the House.
This comes after a Supreme Court decision on Friday, October 18, to temporarily stay the execution of the ruling declared by Bagbin, who had declared four parliamentary seats vacant.
The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, indicated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus in Parliament would only heed instructions from the Speaker, despite the court’s decision.
However, speaking on Eyewitness News on Monday, October 21, 2024, Blay emphasised the need for adherence to the rule of law, particularly rulings from the country’s highest court.
Blay’s remarks underscore the principle of the separation of powers in Ghana’s governance structure, where the judiciary, executive, and legislature each have distinct roles. However, he stressed that the interpretation of the Constitution lies solely with the judiciary, specifically the Supreme Court.
“I will be extremely surprised that the speaker will say anything else other than what the Supreme Court has decided. He subsequently must let the Constitution work and according to the constitution, which I believe everybody should read. It is the Supreme Court that interprets the constitution and certain people have gone to court and the court has given its decision. The ruling is that hold on and let the parties come to court and argue it. Until then let the situation be as it used to be before, I think it is as simple as that. Anybody who [acts otherwise] will be engaging in constitutional lawlessness.”
“There is the separation of powers but each organ of the three organs; the judiciary, executive and legislature, all have the roles they play and the role of the interpretation of the constitution is entirely in the hands of the Supreme Court and we all, not just the institution or the organ are supposed to observe it, respect it and go by what they say,” he stated.
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