The Alliance For Civic Action (ACA) has issued a strong statement condemning the recent actions of Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who has taken a parliamentary issue to the Supreme Court.
ACA claims this move undermines the independence of Parliament and demonstrates a lack of respect for established parliamentary protocols.
According to ACA, Hon. Afenyo-Markin has sought the Supreme Court’s interpretation of Article 79(1)(g) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
ACA argues that the Constitution is clear on matters of parliamentary elections, designating the High Court as the appropriate body to address such concerns under Article 99. By sidestepping these established norms, ACA believes the Minority Leader is eroding parliamentary sovereignty and weakening Parliament’s role as a co-equal branch of government.
The ACA’s statement also noted that past parliamentary leaders, including Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu and Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, have consistently upheld parliamentary independence by addressing similar issues within Parliament.
The ACA expressed concern that the Supreme Court’s rapid response in this case could suggest bias and compromise the delicate balance of power among Ghana’s democratic institutions.
ACA is now urging the Supreme Court to respect Parliament’s authority in resolving internal matters without judicial interference, which it believes is vital to upholding Ghana’s democratic principles. The organization also called on the public to remain engaged in defending the rule of law and democratic processes.
Below is the full statement
Alliance For Civic Action Condemns Minority Leader’s Rush to Supreme Court over Parliamentary Issues
The Alliance For Civic Action (ACA) has observed with concern the recent developments in Ghana’s Parliament, notably the rushed decision by the Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to seek Supreme Court intervention on a matter clearly within the purview of parliamentary procedure. This action underscores a lack of experience in handling parliamentary affairs and threatens the autonomy of Parliament as a co-equal branch of government.
In what we believe to be a misguided appeal, Hon. Afenyo-Markin is reportedly seeking the Supreme Court’s interpretation of Article 79(1)(g) of the 1992 Constitution. However, the Constitution itself is clear: matters relating to parliamentary elections fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of the High Court, as outlined in Article 99. The Minority Leader’s actions not only contravene established parliamentary norms but also cast doubt on his commitment to upholding the sanctity and sovereignty of Parliament.
This unusual approach, coupled with the Supreme Court’s swift ruling, raises questions about the impartiality of this intervention. For decades, parliamentary leaders, including Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu and Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, have upheld Parliament’s independence by resolving its matters internally. ACA firmly believes this respect for legislative sovereignty is critical in maintaining a balanced, functioning democracy.
Alliance For Civic Action is calling on the Supreme Court to exercise restraint and defer to Parliament’s authority in addressing its internal matters. Parliament must retain the ability to interpret and enforce its rules without undue judicial interference, safeguarding its role as a co-equal arm of government.
In the spirit of upholding Ghana’s democratic principles, we urge all Ghanaians to remain vigilant and committed to the rule of law. The stability of our democracy relies on mutual respect between the judiciary, legislature, and executive.
Signed,
Francis Kwesi Badu-Mello
President:
Alliance For Civic Action (ACA)
Tell:0244819302