Ghana supreme court restores ruling party's majority

By Maxwell Akalaare Adombila

Ghana's Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that the speaker of parliament's declaration of four seats as vacant was unconstitutional, effectively restoring the ruling New Patriotic Party's majority in the legislature ahead of the Dec. 7 election.

NPP caucus leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin petitioned the West African nation's apex court to overturn Speaker Alban Bagbin's ruling.

Bagbin had declared that two NPP lawmakers and one National Democratic Congress lawmaker vacated their seats when they registered to contest the election as independents.

Another lawmaker, who leans towards the NPP, registered to contest the vote as an NPP candidate.

Bagbin's decision shifted the parliamentary majority to the NDC, with 136 seats against outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo's NPP's 135.

Two ensuing parliamentary sessions were indefinitely postponed, delaying the presentation of a provisional budget for 2025's first quarter and the approval of Supreme Court nominations, loans, and bill enactments.

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo announced in a televised ruling that Afenyo-Markin's appeal was successful by a majority decision of 5:2. The court will file the reasons behind its decision later, she added.

Afenyo-Markin said the ruling allowed parliament to resume normal operations. It is expected to approve a $250 million World Bank loan aimed at bolstering the financial sector and providing businesses with tax relief, among other things.

Bagbin's spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

Opinion polls indicate that main opposition leader John Dramani Mahama is likely to defeat NPP candidate and current Vice President Muhamudu Bawumia in next month's election, although some analysts anticipate a fiercely contested election.