Supreme Court decision is ‘shocking but not surprising’ – John Mahama
Former President John Mahama says he does not agree with the Supreme Court’s ruling to allow Deputy Speakers of Parliament to vote even when in the Speaker’s chair.
In a tweet to express his thoughts about the ruling, he described it as “shocking but not surprising”.
Mr Mahama said it was “an unfortunate interpretation for convenience that sets a dangerous precedent of judicial interference in Parliamentary procedure for the future.”
The case was brought to the court by a law professor, Justice Abdulai, who was contesting the Deputy Speaker’s decision to count himself to form a quorum in order to vote to pass the 2022 budget.
The judgment was in support of the position of the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei Owusu, who defended his decisive vote in the approval of the 2022 budget, although he was leading proceedings as Speaker.
Also, the Court quashed order 109 (3) of the Standing Orders of Parliament, deeming it as unconstitutional.
Mr Osei-Owusu, who is also the legislator for Bekwai, On November 30, last year presided over the overturning of an earlier vote of the House rejecting the government’s 2022 Budget.
