Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has firmly rejected suggestions that his actions or the operations of Parliament are subject to control by the executive branch. Addressing remarks made by Asante-Akim Central MP Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi during Thursday’s debate on the Appointments Committee’s report concerning Chief Justice nominee Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Mr. Bagbin made it clear that his independence remains intact.
“That’s a very serious allegation,” he said. “As I sit in this chair, no executive authority has the power to control me.” His comments came on Thursday, November 13, as he reaffirmed the autonomy of the legislative arm of government.
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Mr. Anyimadu-Antwi had earlier claimed that the executive was exerting undue influence over both the legislature and the judiciary, adding that such interference was among the reasons the Minority walked out during the vetting of Chief Justice nominee Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
He also argued that ongoing court cases challenging the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo made it inappropriate for Parliament to proceed with the vetting, insisting the executive was attempting to “control Parliament and Ghana.” Mr. Bagbin’s firm response reaffirmed the independence of Parliament, emphasizing that the institution operates within the bounds of the Constitution and remains free from executive manipulation.
Source: Leticia Osei
