Supreme Court: Afenyo-Markin’s speech after 5-2 verdict

After almost a month in court battling the Speaker’s decision to declare four seats vacant, a decision that tilted power in the house, Alexander Afenyo-Markin addressed the media after the Supreme Court delivered a 5-2 majority verdict siding with him. In his address, Afenyo-Markin appealed to the NDC MPs and the Speaker of Parliament to see no defeat or victory in the ruling but a triumph for democracy and rule of law.

Read the full speech below…

My fellow Ghanaians, colleagues in Parliament, members of the press.

1 Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court, delivered by a considered majority of 5-2, brings much-needed clarity to a complex constitutional matter that has occupied our august House for some time.

In the case I brought before the Supreme Court, I sought clarity on Article 97(1)(g) and (h) of our 1992 Constitution, particularly concerning the Speaker’s power to declare parliamentary seats vacant. While we await the Court’s full written reasoning, its decision on this constitutional question is clear and binding: the Constitution does not grant the Speaker the power to declare parliamentary seats vacant.

2 This landmark decision affects four prominent members of our House Hon. Cynthia Mamle Morrison (NPP, Agona West), Hon. Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah (NDC, Amenfi Central), Hon. Kwadjo Asante (NPP, Suhum), and Hon. Andrew Asiamah Amoako (Independent, Fomena). While three of these members have filed to contest the upcoming December 7 elections as independent candidates, and Hon. Asiamah Amoako has chosen to return to the NPP fold, the Court’s decision affirms their current standing as legitimate members of the 8th Parliament.

3. The Supreme Court’s decision should not be seen as a victory for one side or a defeat for another. Rather, it represents a triumph for our constitutional democracy and the rule of law. It reinforces the principle that in our Republic. every institution, no matter how exalted, must operate within the bounds of our Constitution.

4 To my colleagues across the political divide, I extend a hand of friendship. The time has come for us to move beyond this episode and redirect our energies toward our primary duty — serving the good people of Ghana who elected us to represent their interests. Our nation faces pressing challenges that demand our united attention and collaborative effort.

5. To the Right Honorable Speaker, I reaffirm tiny utmost respect for your office and your distinguished service to our nation. This judicial interpretation of our Constitution should strengthen, not weaken, the relationship between leadership and members of the House. With the highest regard for your wisdom and commitment to our democracy, I respectfully look forward to your exercise of your authority to reconvene Parliament, so that together, we may resume our sacred duty to the people of Ghana without further delay or discord.

6. As we return to our legislative duties as soon as possible, let us remember that we are first and foremost servants of the people. The voters who sent us to Parliament expect us to prioritize their interests above all else. They deserve nothing less than our total commitment to advancing the development agenda that will improve their lives.

7. I call on all members of Parliament to view this moment as an opportunity for renewal. Let us approach our duties with fresh vigor, determined to work together in the spirit of constructive dialogue and mutual respect. The clarification provided by the Supreme Court should serve as a foundation for more effective parliamentary proceedings.

8. Our democracy emerges stronger when we respect the wisdom of our Constitution and the interpretation of its guardians. Let us now focus on the critical work ahead, united in our commitment to Ghana’s progress and prosperity.

9. Thank you, and may God bless our homeland Ghana and make her great and strong.