The Minority in Parliament, led by Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei, has called on Parliament to immediately withdraw the notice sent to the Electoral Commission (EC) declaring the Kpandai parliamentary seat vacant.
Addressing the media, Madam Appiagyei disclosed that the incumbent MP, Matthew Nyindam, has filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal and has also initiated an application for judicial review at the Supreme Court.
She questioned why Parliament would “rush to enforce a judgment that is legally suspended, ignore an appeal that is actively proceeding, and arrogantly presume to be more helpful to the superior courts.”
She argued that Parliament is abandoning its long standing tradition of restraint, noting that the institution’s history shows a consistent bipartisan practice of protecting a member’s mandate until all legal processes are fully concluded.
Citing precedent, she referenced the case of former MP Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, whose election was nullified by a High Court. After he filed an appeal, Parliament continued to recognize him as the sitting MP until the Court of Appeal delivered its final judgment.
“Why are they abandoning this wise and time-tested precedent?” she asked.
Madam Appiagyei added that the notification to the EC was a “historic violation” of parliamentary practice, the separation of powers, and the rights of the people of Kpandai.
She stressed that Parliament is constitutionally, legally, democratically, and procedurally bound to withdraw what she described as a “premature notice.”
“This notice violates the separation of powers and disenfranchises the people of Kpandai. It must be withdrawn immediately. This is not about partisanship, it is a call for constitutional fidelity and historical consistency,” she said.
She further warned that the Minority will not cooperate with the Majority on government business if the notice is not withdrawn.
