adverts
Prominent legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has called on the four suspended Members of Parliament (MPs) to take legal action against Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, arguing that the law does not explicitly grant the Speaker the power to suspend MPs.
Speaking on TV3’s The Key Points, Kpebu questioned the legal justification for the suspensions, warning that such actions without clear constitutional backing could set a dangerous precedent.
“I strongly urge that the suspended MPs sue the Speaker,” Kpebu stated. “Yes, we’ve seen the Parliament Act, which mandates the Speaker to maintain the dignity of Parliament, but a total suspension of a member for two weeks is difficult to justify legally.”
adverts
On Friday, January 31, Speaker Bagbin suspended four MPs—Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri), Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana (Gushegu), Jerry Ahmed Shaib (Weija-Gbawe), and Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor (South Dayi)—for their alleged misconduct during the heated vetting process of ministerial nominees.
The suspension has since sparked widespread debate, with critics arguing that the Speaker exceeded his authority.
Kpebu pointed out that Ghana’s legal framework does not explicitly provide for unilateral suspensions of MPs by the Speaker. He cited instances where suspension is constitutionally permitted, such as judicial removals, emphasising that in such cases, the law is explicitly clear.
“When you read those sections, the Speaker has the authority to maintain order in Parliament, but does that extend to suspending a member outright? That is difficult to justify,” he noted.
He further encouraged the suspended MPs to challenge the Speaker’s ruling in court to establish a legal precedent on the matter.
“The suspended MPs should sue the Speaker. This is a democracy we are building, and we must be careful not to create laws by ourselves. If the Speaker’s power to suspend MPs is not explicitly stated, let the courts decide.”
Kpebu also cautioned against allowing political tensions to dictate parliamentary decisions, stressing that Ghana’s democratic principles must be upheld through due process.
The matter is expected to gain further traction as legal experts and political analysts weigh in on the controversy. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
GOT A STORY?
Contact/WhatsApp: +233243201960 or Email: manuelnkansah33@gmail.com
