The Attorney General, Godfred Dame, has criticized Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin for involving his personal lawyers in the ongoing Supreme Court lawsuit concerning the status of four legislators.
The Court has temporarily halted the execution of the Speaker’s ruling, which aimed to declare the seats of these Members of Parliament vacant due to their decision to run as independents ahead of the general election.
Godfred Yeboah Dame stated that his office is the appropriate representative for public officials in such legal matters, asserting that the Constitution designates the Attorney General as the defendant in all actions involving the government, including its parliamentary arm.
He further clarified that the Speaker is not a proper party in this case and that his absence would not hinder the court’s proceedings.
The Attorney General further argued that it is even improper for the first defendant to be joined in this action and that the proper defendant should solely be the Attorney General.
These comments were made in response to Speaker Bagbin’s intention to hire personal legal counsel.
Earlier today, the Supreme Court dismissed an application from Bagbin seeking to overturn its ruling that suspended his declaration regarding these parliamentarians.
This follows a lawsuit initiated by Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin challenging the Speaker’s declaration.
The Speaker’s legal team had contended that the Supreme Court lacked jurisdiction over this matter, among other arguments.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court adjourned the substantive case to November 11. Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has also directed Speaker Bagbin to submit necessary documents by Wednesday, November 6.
