NPP's Haruna Mohammed Criticizes Speaker Bagbin's Role in Ninth Parliament

Bagbin's Comments Spark Controversy

‎Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, has publicly challenged Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin’s involvement in discussions surrounding the upcoming Ninth Parliament. During an interview on GH ONE TV, Mohammed asserted that Bagbin's recent remarks were inappropriate given his current role as Speaker of the Eighth Parliament.

‎"Bagbin should focus on his current duties rather than speculating about the Ninth Parliament," Mohammed remarked. "He has no business making such statements unless he retains the position of Speaker in the next Parliament."

‎Legal Misinterpretations Highlighted

In his critique, Mohammed questioned Bagbin’s understanding of the Electoral Commission's (EC) legal processes regarding parliamentary swearing-in. He emphasized that a candidate's victory declaration by the EC does not automatically qualify them for swearing-in.

‎"The Returning Officer must prepare a writ, which is then gazetted by the EC. Only after this process can the Speaker administer the oath to MPs," Mohammed explained. "As a lawyer, Bagbin should refrain from making misleading statements that undermine public confidence in our legal framework."

‎A Call for Legal Responsibility

‎Haruna Mohammed further urged political figures to prioritize the integrity of Ghana's legal systems. He cautioned against premature statements that could jeopardize the nation’s legal foundations.

‎"Making reckless remarks might seem beneficial today, but they could backfire tomorrow," he warned. "The NDC must respect legal protocols rather than manipulate them for political gain."

‎He also stressed the importance of safeguarding Ghana’s legal structures, calling on all stakeholders to uphold consistency in their application.

‎Bagbin’s Controversial Claim‎

Speaker Alban Bagbin, on December 28, 2024, stated that parliamentary candidates whose victories were nullified by the Supreme Court on December 27, 2024, should not be sworn in on January 6, 2025. This declaration has since drawn sharp reactions from political figures, including Haruna Mohammed.

‎Your Opinion Matters

‎What’s your take on Haruna Mohammed’s critique? Do you agree with his stance, or do you think Speaker Bagbin’s comments were justified? Share your thoughts in the comments below!