In a compelling call for adherence to constitutional authority, former Attorney General and Minister for Justice in Ghana, Martin Amidu has emphasized that the Speaker has no authority to hinder the operations of the government during a constitutional matter before the Supreme Court.
This statement resonates deeply in light of the recent unanimous decision by the Supreme Court, which dismissed the Speaker's application to set aside a suit filed by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo Markin.
Amidu's remarks come after the Supreme Court ruled on October 30, 2024, that the Speaker's attempt to challenge the Court's jurisdiction in this case was without merit. "The Supreme Court has made it abundantly clear that the Speaker's application was unfounded," he stated, highlighting the judicial authority that governs Ghana's political landscape. "We must remember that the Supreme Court is the ultimate authority in determining disputes affecting citizens and the state." The Court's ruling allowed the Speaker and the Attorney-General to present their Statements of Case, which Amidu urged should be submitted promptly.
He insisted that "the work of Parliament must continue smoothly, regardless of the Speaker's prior ruling," emphasizing the need for legislative functions to persist amidst ongoing judicial proceedings.