Mahama advocates for political solution over Supreme Court ruling in vacant seats dispute

Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has called for a political resolution to the ongoing case concerning the declaration of vacant parliamentary seats, suggesting it would be more effective than a Supreme Court judgment.

Speaking to members of the clergy at the Great Hall of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi on Monday, November 11, Mahama argued that a political approach, rather than a judicial one, would be best to resolve the impasse.

In his remarks, Mahama noted that while the Supreme Court is set to deliver its ruling on the matter, Parliament is not bound by the judiciary and could potentially disregard the decision.

“I think that it is something we can solve politically. The solution is not legal because the Supreme Court can give a ruling, and Parliament can decide not to obey because they are not under the Judiciary. So, this requires a political solution,” Mahama stated.

The Former President proposed that if he were currently head of state, he would seek to withdraw the case from the Supreme Court and instead convene a meeting with leaders from both political sides, the Council of State, the Speaker of Parliament, and religious representatives to reach a consensus.

He emphasized that the involvement of President Akufo-Addo could also be instrumental in resolving the issue peacefully and constructively.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has postponed its ruling until Tuesday, November 12, following the absence of lawyers for Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin.

The case, which was filed by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary caucus, challenges Bagbin’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant—a decision that has sparked political debate and renewed calls for constitutional reform.

The court’s impending ruling, focusing on Bagbin’s interpretation of constitutional provisions regarding vacant seats, has raised questions about the separation of powers and the legislative autonomy of Parliament.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith