Professor Gyampo on Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision

Professor Ransford Gyampo, a senior political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, has voiced his disagreement with Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant.

The affected seats include that of the Second Deputy Speaker, an independent MP running on the NPP ticket, an NDC MP who is going independent, and two NPP MPs contesting as independents in the 2024 elections.

Prof. Gyampo argues that Article 97(1)(g) and (h) of the Constitution is intended to prevent MPs from switching parties during the same parliamentary session, rather than dictating their intentions for future elections.

He clarified that the law was introduced to preserve political stability and deter MPs from opportunistically changing parties during their term.

“‘The law, in its proper context, means that an MP must vacate their seat if they change political parties during their term or attempt to remain as an independent MP after having been elected on a party’s ticket,’” he explained.

Citing historical examples, Prof. Gyampo referenced the Preventive Detention Act of 1958, which prompted opposition members to cross over to the ruling CPP to avoid harassment, thus weakening the opposition and leading to laws against party-switching.

He criticized the declaration of seats as vacant based on MPs’ future intentions, arguing that it denies constituents their representation and voice in parliament when elections cannot be held to replace them immediately.

Prof. Gyampo contended that both Speakers Oquaye and Bagbin have misinterpreted the law, noting that decisions to declare seats vacant should be made by the high courts, as outlined in Article 99 of the 1992 Constitution.

“‘We should reject political gamesmanship that distorts our history and our laws. If we sacrifice what is right for short-term political gains, we risk setting dangerous precedents that could harm us in the future,’” he cautioned.