Parliament: Parliamentary Network Africa reiterate calls to solve 4 seat matter out-of-court

Parliamentary Network Africa’s Communications Officer, Clement Akoloh, is urging Parliament to resolve its ongoing four-seat dispute outside the courts, emphasizing that legal battles are intensifying divisions within the legislative body.

Speaking on ABC Midday News on October 31, Akoloh directed his appeal to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), advocating for a diplomatic resolution with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus to foster “consensus building.”

He explained, “I once again call on the NPP caucus…they have a lot at stake in Parliament,” stressing the importance of collaboration beyond legal approaches.

“I think that they (NPP) should try and reach out beyond the legal issues to find a way to get this consensus building on board with the minority side (NDC caucus) as well as the Speakers sides.

Akoloh criticized the legal impasse, highlighting that the actions and body language of all parties involved are worsening the stalemate.

He stated, “The legal issues that we are dealing with…and the pronouncement and body language of all of the stakeholders is not helping the situation.”

His call for alternative dispute resolution methods reflects the urgent need to prevent further fragmentation within the legislative framework, especially as political tensions rise over the contentious matter.

The appeal follows the Supreme Court’s dismissal of Speaker Alban Bagbin’s application to counter a ruling that halted his declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant.

Bagbin argued that the court’s decision infringed upon Parliament’s jurisdiction.

He reiterated that Parliament operates under constitutional checks, highlighting the need for cohesive action to preserve legislative integrity amidst the ongoing legal dispute.