Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has urged a political solution to the ongoing parliamentary seat controversy, emphasising dialogue over judicial intervention.
Speaking at a meeting with clergy in Kumasi on Monday, November 11, Mahama suggested that the impasse, which has seen Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin declare four parliamentary seats vacant, could have been effectively addressed outside the courtroom.
The dispute began when Speaker Bagbin announced that four MPs had allegedly breached constitutional requirements, thereby justifying the declaration of their seats as vacant. This move sparked a heated legal confrontation, with the Supreme Court issuing an injunction on Bagbin’s ruling and setting a final judgement date for Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
Mahama expressed concerns about the escalation of the matter into a legal battle, pointing out that such disputes could be better resolved through political dialogue.
“This is something we could solve politically, rather than relying on a court decision, which Parliament could contest as an independent arm of government,” he said.
He noted that presidential intervention could have bridged the gap, bringing both factions to the table along with the Council of State and Speaker to collaboratively resolve the matter.
“If I were president, I would have worked to withdraw the case from the Supreme Court and called on both sides to find common ground. Such an approach would foster understanding and uphold the stability of our parliamentary process,” Mahama remarked.
Mahama’s call for a political solution has resonated with various groups who agree that a collaborative approach could maintain the independence of Parliament while ensuring a smoother resolution. As the Supreme Court’s judgement looms, Mahama’s remarks have spotlighted the potential benefits of negotiation over legal battles in addressing parliamentary disputes.