Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has voiced his frustration over what he sees as an increasing tendency among legislators to seek Supreme Court intervention on matters that should be handled within Parliament itself.
At a press conference on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, Bagbin expressed concern that this reliance on the judiciary is eroding the authority and respect of the legislative body.
He urged lawmakers to show stronger allegiance to Parliament and avoid turning to external judicial bodies for resolutions that fall within their purview.
The Speaker’s comments came in response to Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s application for an injunction at the Supreme Court regarding the Minority’s call for the Speaker to declare certain parliamentary seats vacant.
Bagbin highlighted this case, along with others, as evidence of the growing trend of legislators seeking judicial intervention, which he believes undermines the integrity of the institution.
“Most worrying is that these proceedings are initiated by some members of parliament, even leaders of Parliament, who ought to know better,” he stated.
Alban Bagbin has stated that Parliament’s increasing reliance on the Supreme Court for intervention highlights a lack of trust in its own authority, undermining its independence.
“Parliamentarians who are to be loyal to Parliament rather than to the Supreme Court run to the Supreme Court at the slightest opportunity to use the Supreme Court to undermine Parliament,” he said.
“This might be one of the reasons Parliament and members of Parliament are not respected and are treated with disdain.”
The Speaker called on MPs to prioritize their duty to Parliament, advocating for the strengthening of its internal systems to reduce reliance on external intervention and enhance the institution’s credibility in the public’s view.