The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has stated that National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs will assume the Majority position in Parliament when it reconvenes on Tuesday, October 22, unless Speaker Alban Bagbin issues a different directive.

In an interview on Citi FM, Mr. Ayariga emphasized that MPs are obligated to follow the Speaker’s rulings, not the Supreme Court’s stay of execution on Bagbin’s earlier decision, which had declared four parliamentary seats vacant. He affirmed that the NDC caucus would abide by Bagbin’s initial ruling unless informed otherwise.

“We will act according to Bagbin’s communiqué, and unless he instructs otherwise, we will follow his current decision. If he informs us of the court’s ruling, we will act accordingly, but our duty is to listen to the Speaker, not the court,” he said.

Mr. Ayariga criticized the Supreme Court’s intervention, arguing that it should not meddle in Parliamentary matters, as the constitution maintains a clear separation of powers. He expressed surprise at the Supreme Court’s involvement, suggesting that the issue should have been handled by the High Court instead.

“It’s surprising that the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, would involve itself in this matter when it should have stayed out. We are ignoring the Supreme Court because its involvement is unnecessary.

“This issue should not have been handled by the Supreme Court—it should have gone to the High Court. What was so urgent that the Supreme Court had to rule in less than 24 hours? It makes it seem like the Supreme Court is acting as an extension of the NPP,” he added.

His remarks come after Speaker Bagbin’s declaration on Thursday, October 17, that four parliamentary seats—Amenfi Central, Fomena, Suhum, and Agona West—were vacant due to MPs either switching political affiliations or running as independents, in accordance with constitutional provisions.

However, the Supreme Court overturned Bagbin’s decision on Friday, October 18, granting a stay of execution following a request by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.