Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has issued a stern warning about the increasing trend of citizens filing lawsuits against parliamentary proceedings, which he fears could undermine the effectiveness of the legislature.
Recently, Richard Sky and Amanda Odoi took their case against the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill to the Supreme Court, seeking to prevent Parliament from transmitting it to President Akufo-Addo.
In a separate instance, another citizen has filed a lawsuit at the Apex Court challenging a petition to Parliament to investigate the Cecilia Dapaah Saga.
During a debate on Ghana Standards Authority Pricing of Cement Regulation, Speaker Bagbin highlighted concerns raised by Tamale South MP, Haruna Iddrisu regarding potential legal challenges to legislative instruments (LI).
Mr Iddrisu had emphasised that no court has the authority to obstruct Parliament's work, though judicial review may occur after parliamentary processes conclude.
Mr Bagbin noted that numerous lawsuits have been filed attempting to halt Parliament's legitimate functions. He stressed the importance of MPs addressing this issue seriously to prevent diminishing the legislature's relevance.
The Speaker clarified that his remarks were made in light of the ongoing Supreme Court cases but underscored the need for Parliament to maintain its constitutional mandate despite legal challenges.
“We have to take this seriously or else our legislative authority is being taken away from us by other agencies and arms of government. That should be resisted by the House, or else your being here is of no consequence."
“The law is very clear on this, and so until a bill is being assented to by the President, nobody has any business to take that process that is being considered by the House to the court. I don’t want to preempt the judgment of the Supreme Court in this matter, but I am giving notice because on a daily basis I’m being served with writs as a party on matters that are being considered by the House. That’s why I am compelled to say these things,” he lamented.
Credit: myjoyonline.com