The Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Ocquaye, has criticised the Minority in Parliament for their bid to have the seats of four Members of Parliament (MPs) declared vacant ahead of the upcoming December 7 elections.

The Minority's push targets MPs who have opted to run as independent candidates, a move they argue violates constitutional provisions.

The MPs in question include Agona West MP Cynthia Morrison, Suhum MP Kwadwo Asante, and Amenfi Central MP Peter Yaw Kwakye Ackah, whose decision to contest as independents, according to the Minority, warrants their removal from Parliament.

Also, the Minority seeks the removal of the Fomena MP, who, after serving as an independent MP, has decided to contest the upcoming election under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) banner.

Reacting to this, Prof. Ocquaye rebuked the Minority's demand, asserting that they have no legal grounds to initiate such a move against MPs from the opposing party.

Drawing an analogy, he questioned the rationale behind their actions:

“It’s wrong because the benefit is not his [Haruna Iddrisu's]; the law doesn’t stand to his inurement. That’s why I talked about the husband and wife. He has no locus because he doesn’t belong to the party involved. Is it you who should say there’s a problem in my house?”

Prof. Ocquaye continued, adding: “You say I have a problem with my wife, and I’m saying I have no problem with my wife, what are you talking about?”

Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has deferred ruling on the petition, which was initiated by former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu.

The petition invokes Article 97 (1)(g) of the Constitution, which stipulates that an MP must vacate their seat if they leave the political party under which they were elected or choose to serve as an independent candidate.

The former speaker of Parliament was speaking in an interview with Accra-based Joy FM.