Akim Abuakwa South MP Samuel Atta Akyea is challenging the precedent set by former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Oquaye, regarding MPs who switch parties or declare intentions to run as independents during their term. Atta Akyea, a private legal practitioner, argues that Oquaye’s decision is not binding on the current Parliament and was based on an incorrect interpretation of the law.

The debate centers around whether MPs who declare intentions to run as independents in future elections should vacate their seats immediately. Atta Akyea insists there’s no concrete legal basis for this, emphasizing that a declaration of intention isn’t enough to warrant immediate resignation.

Atta Akyea stresses that MPs’ autonomy and political realities should not be undermined by overzealous interpretations of constitutional provisions. He advocates for a more pragmatic approach, allowing MPs to express future aspirations without jeopardizing their current status.

“We should not make the MP robotic, such that he can’t tell you his intentions for the future,” Atta Akyea concludes.