Dissenting Justices assert High Court’s role in declaring seat vacancies – Atta Akyea

Abuakwa South MP Samuel Atta Akyea has emphasized dissenting opinions from two Supreme Court justices in the ruling on parliamentary seat vacancies, reinforcing the view that the Speaker of Parliament lacks the authority to declare such seats vacant.

Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV, he highlighted arguments by Justices Amadu Tanko and Lovelace-Johnson, who affirmed that only the High Court holds jurisdiction over such matters.

Justice Lovelace-Johnson stated that cases concerning parliamentary seat vacancies must be addressed exclusively by the High Court, dismissing the Supreme Court's jurisdiction in this instance.

Justice Tanko Amadu described the majority ruling as an “aberration,” expressing hope for its reversal in the future to restore judicial consistency.

Their dissent underscores ongoing debates about the limits of parliamentary and judicial authority in Ghana.