Mahama accuses gov’t of manipulating judiciary in Assin North MP saga
“We’ve seen the cardinal sin of the Fourth Republic which is the disenfranchisement of the people of SALL,” he began. “For one whole term, they’ve not had a Member of Parliament.”
Former President John Dramani Mahama has accused the current administration of manipulating the judiciary to prevent the Member of Assin North Constituency from representing his constituents in Parliament.
James Gyakye Quayson was by a Supreme Court decision on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 restricted from holding himself as Member of Parliament.
Addressing delegates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Tamale over the weekend, Mr Mahama alluded to the decision by the Supreme Court as “gross injustice” and an “affront” to democracy.
“We’ve seen the cardinal sin of the Fourth Republic which is the disenfranchisement of the people of SALL,” he began. “For one whole term, they’ve not had a Member of Parliament.”
The presumptive NDC flagbearer then switched to the Assin North MP’s matter.
“But even if we put that aside, the people of Assin North elected a person to represent them in Parliament. This government has manipulated the judiciary in such a way that they’ve injuncted the Member of [Parliament for] Assin North.
“So, even though he is the elected member, he cannot perform the duties of an MP. That is a gross injustice and it is an affront to our democracy.”
Mr Mahama is, therefore, calling for a review in the law barring compatriots with dual citizenship from standing for elective positions in Ghana.
“When NDC comes into power, we are going to clarify that constitutional provision that compels them to give up their foreign citizenship before they contest elections.”
Source: 3news.com
