In a significant ruling, Alban Bagbin, Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, has declared four parliamentary seats vacant. The affected Members of Parliament (MPs) are Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kojo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central).

The motion was filed by former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, who argued that the MPs’ decision to contest the upcoming December elections as independent candidates necessitates their relinquishment of parliamentary positions. This interpretation is grounded in the constitutional provisions governing parliamentary membership.

Article 97 (1)(g) of Ghana’s Constitution states that a parliamentary seat becomes vacant when an MP ceases to be a member of the party that sponsored their election. By announcing their intention to run as independents, these MPs have effectively forfeited their party affiliations.

Ruling on the matter in Parliament on Thursday, Bagbin emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional provisions. He cited Order 18 of Parliament’s Standing Orders, which mandates the Speaker to inform the House of vacancies.

This ruling echoes a similar incident from 2020 involving Andrew Amoako Asiamah, Fomena’s MP. Then-Speaker Mike Oquaye declared Asiamah’s seat vacant after he opted to run as an independent. However, Bagbin clarified that each Speaker has autonomy in decision-making and that prior rulings do not set precedent.

The declaration of these seats vacant has significant implications for the affected MPs and their constituents. The ruling may also influence Ghana’s political landscape ahead of the December elections.