The Supreme court on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, gave a verdict that the Deputy Speaker can exercise a vote contrary to Standing Order 13 of Parliament when presiding.
For some time now, the debate especially between the two main political parties was whether a Deputy Speaker of Parliament presiding over proceedings can vote or should be counted as part of the quorum.
However, responding to the ruling, President Akufo-Addo pointed out that there is difficulty in understanding what the Constitution explains on the controversial subject.
According to President Akufo-Addo, “All organs of the state including me as the head of the executive, are subject to the constitution. There is nobody 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.
He added: “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 made the pronouncement during engagement with the media on Thursday.
Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana
