Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has failed to file a statement of case with the Supreme Court addressing the legal dispute over vacant parliamentary seats.
On Monday, November 11, there was a noteworthy absence of representation from the Speaker’s side in court.
The dispute concerns the eligibility of certain Members of Parliament to keep their seats after expressing their intention to run as independent candidates.
The court had previously asked the Speaker to file the necessary paperwork by Wednesday, November 6, after his legal representative, Thaddeus Sory, requested an extension.
Mr Sory had requested further time to meet with the Speaker and acquire required instructions, emphasizing the necessity of a well-prepared contribution.
Despite this accommodation, no statement was issued by the deadline, raising concerns about the Speaker’s attitude on the matter.
Meanwhile, Attorney-General Godfred Dame argued before the court that the Speaker’s involvement was unnecessary since the Attorney General’s office was authorized to undertake constitutional interpretation cases on behalf of public officials.
He urged the Supreme Court to consider the case, arguing that any delays would merely prolong the situation and impede proper legal proceedings.
The continuing dispute attempts to clarify the validity of holding parliamentary seats when MPs proclaim independence or transfer allegiances before to elections.
