Supreme court an ‘extension of Akufo-Addo’s chambers’, says Ernesto Yeboah

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Leader of the Economic Fighters League (EFL) is latest to vent his ‘anger’ on Ghana’s top court as its verdict on Deputy Speakers voting rights, continues to divide opinions.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Ernesto Yeboah said: “The Supreme Court is an extension of Akufo-Addo’s Chambers. There is no Lord Denning on that Bench.#NewConstitutionNow”.

While many of his followers find his comments “contemptuous”, others sided with him.

The apex court on Wednesday 9th March 2022 ruled that the Deputy Speaker when presiding can exercise a vote contrary to Standing Order 13 of Parliament.

The panel chaired by Justice Jones Dotse also said the approval of the budget was valid.

Akufo-Addo’s take

Reacting to the ruling, President Akufo-Addo indicated that there is difficulty in understanding what the Constitution explains on the matter.

“All organs of the state including me as the head of the executive, are subject to the constitution. There is no body or organ in the Ghanaian state that is above the laws of the land. To suggest that Parliament should operate without interference is to advocate for the very matter we have tried to avoid, the concentration of power. We have had that experience before and don’t want that.

“As far as I can see it, and I think the Supreme Court has confirmed it, the matters involved in this are open and shut, they are black and white. There can be no dispute about the issues that the gentleman took to the Supreme Court,” President Akufo-Addo said during an interaction with the media on Thursday.

Bagbin’s ‘myopic’ comment

Speaker of Parliament for Ghana, Alban Bagbin, has described as myopic President Akufo-Addo’s comment on the Supreme Court ruling on Deputy Speakers voting right.

According to him, he has resisted the temptation of commenting on the judgment of the Supreme Court on the issue “But the unfortunate and myopic comment of the President has compelled me to let it out.”

“The SC decision is to say the least, not only an absurdity but a reckless incursion into the remit of Parliament. The trend of unanimity is equally troubling. It doesn’t help explore and expand our legal jurisprudence,” he added.

Mahama shocked

Former president John Mahama has described Wednesday’s ruling of the Supreme Court giving Deputy Speakers the right to vote and be counted when presiding in Parliament as “shocking.”

However, he said the decision does not come as a surprise to him.

“A unanimous 7-0? Shocking but not surprising,” Mahama posted on Facebook on Thursday (10 March).

He added: “An unfortunate interpretation for convenience that sets a dangerous precedent of judicial interference in Parliamentary procedure for the future.”

SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH