In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of Ghana has issued a stay of execution on a ruling by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, which declared the seats of four Members of Parliament (MPs) vacant.

The MPs affected by the Speaker's ruling are Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Amoako Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central).

The Supreme Court’s decision effectively pauses the implementation of Bagbin’s ruling, pending further legal review.

The ruling by the Speaker was based on a motion filed by former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, who invoked constitutional provisions requiring MPs to vacate their seats if they switch political affiliations or contest elections as independent candidates.

Bagbin, acting on these provisions, declared the four seats vacant, igniting controversy and paving the way for a legal showdown.

With the Supreme Court’s stay order in place, the current composition of Parliament will remain unchanged until the matter is fully resolved through the legal process.

This move delays any immediate action on the Speaker's ruling and ensures that the four MPs retain their positions for the time being.

The SC panel was chaired by the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo on Friday October 18, 2024