The Mpraeso Member of Parliament (MP), Davis Ansah Opoku, has submitted a petition to Speaker Alban Bagbin, urging him to overturn an earlier ruling made by former Speaker Mike Oquaye on a similar issue.

Mr Opoku’s petition argues that Oquaye’s interpretation of the matter was flawed and calls for Bagbin to re-examine the constitutional provisions concerning the vacation of an MP’s seat, to prevent the premature removal of current MPs.

This petition follows the Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson's request to Speaker Bagbin, seeking the removal of four Members of Parliament.

The MPs in question are Peter Kwakyi Ackah of Amenfi Central, Cynthia Morrison of Agona West, Kwadjo Asante of Suhum, and Andrew Asiamah.

According to Dr Forson, these MPs have filed to contest the upcoming general election on grounds different from those that secured their seats in Parliament, a move he believes warrants their disqualification.

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Dr Forson argues that by running on alternative platforms in the next election, the MPs have violated the basis on which they were elected.

He insists that their actions should result in the automatic vacation of their seats under parliamentary rules. Speaker Bagbin is expected to deliver his ruling on the matter after deliberations on Thursday, October 17.

Meanwhile, Davis Ansah Opoku’s petition to the Speaker emphasises the need to strictly adhere to the constitutional provisions regarding the vacation of an MP’s seat, ensuring that no MPs are ousted prematurely.

"Rt. Hon. Speaker, I respectfully urge that any decisions regarding the vacation of parliamentary seats adhere strictly to the constitutional framework, considering the correct interpretation of Article 97(1)(g) and (h). The Constitution provides a precise mechanism for maintaining stability and protecting the electoral mandate during a parliamentary term without imposing unnecessary restrictions on MPs' political ambitions beyond that term."

"Adhering to these constitutional principles reinforces the independence of Parliament, safeguards the integrity of representation, and protects the democratic freedoms essential to Ghana's political system," he said in his petition.

• Read also: Petition to declare 4 seats vacant wrongly done – Prof Mike Oquaye

Additionally, former Speaker of Parliament, Prof Aaron Mike Oquaye, had previously raised concerns about this approach, warning that such a move would be illegal without a formal complaint from the affected political parties and without offering the MPs in question a fair hearing.