The Dean of the Law School at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Prof. Ernest Kofi Abotsi, has suggested that the Supreme Court may not have jurisdiction to overturn certain decisions made by the Speaker of Parliament, particularly those related to internal parliamentary processes.

In an interview, Prof. Abotsi stressed that the Speaker of Parliament has the constitutional mandate to manage parliamentary affairs, and judicial interference should be limited to ensuring that these decisions remain within the bounds of the law.

His remarks follow a legal action initiated by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus in Parliament, who sought the Supreme Court’s intervention to halt a case filed by Tamale South MP, Haruna Iddrisu. Iddrisu’s challenge concerns the status of four parliamentarians.

Despite these legal efforts, Speaker Alban Bagbin declared the seats of four MPs vacant, citing their decision to run as independent candidates or align with other political parties ahead of the elections.

In response, Afenyo-Markin announced that the NPP caucus would boycott parliamentary proceedings until the Supreme Court delivers its ruling on the matter.

Prof. Abotsi cautioned that the judiciary should refrain from interfering with standard parliamentary operations, as the Speaker has authority over such matters.

The four MPs whose seats were declared vacant are Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central), and Andrew Amoako Asiamah (Fomena), due to their decision to contest independently or align with other parties.