Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has passionately defended the autonomy and authority of Ghana’s legislative arm amid escalating tensions with the judiciary and executive branches. Addressing the Parliamentary Press Corps on Wednesday, he expressed concern that recent actions by President Akufo-Addo and the Supreme Court threaten Parliament’s foundational role within the nation’s governance structure.
Bagbin argued that Parliament is under pressure from both the judiciary and executive, suggesting that a pattern of “collusion” is gradually undermining its authority. He emphasized Parliament’s role as the “repository of the people’s sovereign will,” cautioning that weakening this institution could destabilize the nation’s democracy.
Reflecting on the outcome of the 2020 elections, which led to an evenly split Parliament, Bagbin noted that Ghanaian voters signaled a desire for collaboration and consensus rather than a “Winner Takes All” approach. As the first Speaker in Ghana’s history to lead a hung Parliament, he shared his experience of balancing national interests with political dynamics, underscoring the need for constructive deliberation within the legislative body.
He voiced criticism of fellow members who have sought judicial resolutions for political disagreements, asserting that this reliance on the courts erodes Parliament’s power. Bagbin argued that internal conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and compromise within Parliament, rather than through court cases.
Additionally, Bagbin condemned the President’s hesitation to assent to the LGBTQ+ bill passed by Parliament and questioned the judiciary’s increasing intervention in legislative matters. He called on the Supreme Court to act with the same urgency it recently showed in addressing the controversy surrounding the vacating of four parliamentary seats.
Stressing the importance of constitutional supremacy, Bagbin declared that “the supremacy of the Constitution, not the supremacy of the judiciary, must prevail.” He concluded by urging cooperation among the three branches of government, expressing hope that this current period of conflict would ultimately reinforce Ghana’s democratic values.
