Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Constitutional and Legal Committee, Frank Davies, has explained that the party did not foresee the Supreme Court’s decision regarding Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant.
In an interview on Joy News’ PM Express, Mr. Davies said the Supreme Court ruling was based on the merits of the case and not on assumptions.
“It’s wrong to say that it was anticipated,” he said, emphasizing that the divided opinion among the panel, with two judges disagreeing, highlighted the complexity of the legal matter.
“Even without them filing a statement of the case, five other justices held that the interpretation was not in favor of the Speaker. Two of the judges dissented; what are we going to say about them too?” he added, highlighting the independence and diversity of judicial opinion.
He further revealed that the Speaker of Parliament was given ample opportunity to defend the legality of the declaration in court but did not file a defense.
“The Speaker was given the opportunity to present their statement of case before the court. They didn’t do that. Do you think the judges should have waited for the Speaker indefinitely?” he questioned, implying that the court had proceeded fairly under the circumstances.
Mr. Davies encouraged the public to value the judicial process and honor the court’s decision, pointing out that the ruling represents the thoughtful consideration of the Supreme Court justices.
“This judgment is a clear representation of judicial independence and underscores the commitment of our courts to uphold the Constitution, even in complex cases.”