Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has warned about the growing trend of citizens filing lawsuits against the passage of bills or parliamentary activities, cautioning that it could render the legislature ineffective.
During a debate on the Standards Authority Pricing of Cement Regulation, Speaker Bagbin referenced the possibility of someone challenging the legislative instrument (LI) in court, echoing concerns raised by Tamale South MP Haruna Iddrisu.
He asserted that no court has the authority to obstruct Parliament’s work before legislative processes are completed.
Richard Sky and Amanda Odoi have approached the Supreme Court to prevent Parliament from transmitting the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill to President Akufo-Addo.
Additionally, another citizen filed a suit at the Apex Court against a petition to Parliament to investigate the Cecilia Dapaah Saga.
The Speaker stated, “The law is very clear on this. Until a bill is assented to the President, nobody has any business taking that process, which is being considered by the House, to court.”
Rt Hon. Bagbin revealed he is frequently inundated with suits attempting to halt parliamentary activities. Despite clarifying that his comments do not prejudice ongoing Supreme Court hearings, he urged Members of Parliament to take the issue seriously.
“We have to take this seriously, or else our legislative authority is being taken away from us by other agencies and arms of government. That should be resisted by the House, or else your being here is of no consequence,” Bagbin warned.
He emphasized the importance of preserving parliamentary autonomy: “Daily, I’m being served with writs as a party on matters that are being considered by the House. That’s why I am compelled to say these things.”
