Mahama: I would have resolved parliamentary impasse outside of court

John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), believes that the current parliamentary deadlock could have been resolved outside the courtroom through dialogue and negotiation. Speaking with clergy members in Kumasi on Monday, November 11, Mahama highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing political issues, arguing that a cooperative approach would have been more productive.

His comments follow a heated legal dispute over Speaker Alban Bagbin’s recent declaration that four parliamentary seats are vacant due to alleged constitutional violations by certain Members of Parliament. This ruling, which has intensified political tensions, is now under review by the Supreme Court, which has stayed the ruling’s execution until a final decision is made on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

Mahama stressed that, in his view, political disputes like these should ideally be managed through constructive dialogue rather than court battles. “I think that it is something we can solve politically. The solution is not legal because the Supreme Court can make a decision and Parliament would say, ‘We are not under you, we are a separate arm of government,’” he noted, pointing out the potential challenges of judicial intervention in parliamentary matters. “This would have demanded a political solution. But all that is dependent on the president.”

Reflecting on how he would have approached the issue, Mahama said, “If I were president, I would have taken the case out of the Supreme Court and called both sides, their leaders, the Council of State, and the Speaker to resolve the matter because I believe if that is done there would be a resolution to the matter.”

GOT A STORY?
Email Daily Mail GH: stories@dailymailgh.com or
Whatsapp: +233(0)509928122