This is a constitutional crisis. We’re living in a country where Parliament is not sitting- Chief Justice

Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo has expressed her concerns to the lawyer representing the Speaker of Parliament regarding what she perceives as a delay in the court proceedings related to the ongoing vacant seat controversy.

During the proceedings on Wednesday, the Chief Justice inquired of Thaddeus Sory why he had not submitted Speaker Alban Bagbin’s documents by the deadline, which was set for today, October 30.

She emphasized that the matter at hand is of national urgency, necessitating prompt action from legal counsel.

According to her, this is a constitutional crisis; and the country is in a situation where Parliament is not in session.

What is going on?” she questioned.

The Chief Justice instructed Mr. Sory to ensure that the necessary documents are filed by the end of business on Thursday.

She then adjourned the case until Monday, November 11.

In a related development, the Supreme Court has rejected an application from Speaker Alban Bagbin, who sought to reverse the Court’s decision that suspended his declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant.

The legal process was initiated by Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin after Speaker Bagbin declared these seats vacant.

The Speaker’s legal team contended that the Supreme Court did not have jurisdiction in this matter, among other arguments presented in court.

However, after considering submissions from all parties, including the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, the Supreme Court upheld its previous ruling, stating that the Speaker’s appeal lacked merit.

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