Ansah Asare Former Director of Ghana School of Law Urges Public to Critique Supreme Court Ruling
Kwaku Ansa-Asare, a former Director of the Ghana School of Law, has asserted that Ghanaians should feel free to critique the recent Supreme Court ruling that overturned the Speaker of Parliament’s decision declaring four parliamentary seats vacant. Speaking on Onua TV’s *Maakye* show with Captain Smart, Ansa-Asare emphasized that the involvement of the Chief Justice in the verdict does not prevent the public from commenting on the matter.
Ansa-Asare criticized the Judiciary’s involvement in what he considers parliamentary affairs, urging the courts to respect their boundaries.”Since 1992, the laws have worked. No one has gone to court for interpretation. Judiciary, stay in your lane,” he said in Twi, referring to how Parliament has operated under its Standing Orders and the Constitution for over three decades.
The Supreme Court’s October 18, 2024, ruling temporarily stayed Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare the four seats vacant and directed Parliament to allow the MPs to continue their duties until a final decision is made. This decision followed an ex parte application filed by New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs, who challenged the Speaker’s ruling, which affected three of their members and one from the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Ansa-Asare encouraged Ghanaians to openly discuss the ruling without fear of contempt, stating that while the Supreme Court’s decisions are binding, they are not immune to mistakes. He emphasized that any errors made by the Court must remain within the framework of the law.
“We have gone beyond being frightened. They can’t gag anyone… We shouldn’t say the Chief Justice was part of the panel so if we talk, they will take us to court,” Ansa-Asare remarked, urging State institutions to always prioritize the nation’s interest when making decisions.
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