The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, is urging the applicant in the case that sought the Supreme Court’s interpretation of laws on the voting powers of Deputy Speakers of Parliament to seek a review of the judgement.

“I encourage the plaintiff to go for a review,” Mr. Bagbin said in a statement.

Mr. Bagbin believes that the judgement of the court on the matter is absurd, reckless and constitutes interference in the activities of the legislature.

The Supreme Court ruled that a Deputy Speaker of Parliament, or any other member of the legislature presiding over business of the House, does not lose his or her right to vote while presiding.

Such a Speaker or Member can also be counted as part of the quorum for decision-making in the House under Article 104(1) of the 1992 Constitution.

The Court, consequently, struck down Order 109 (3) of the Standing Orders of Parliament, describing it as “unconstitutional”.

The Order provides that a Deputy Speaker or any other member of Parliament presiding over the business of the House shall not retain his or her original vote while presiding.

The judgement has elicited several reactions, including from President Nana Akufo-Addo.

The Speaker of Parliament believes that the Supreme Court’s position on the matter is wrong and deserves to be reviewed.

“The SC decision is, to say the least, not only an absurdity but a reckless incursion into the remit of Parliament. The trend of unanimity is equally troubling. It doesn’t help explore and expand our legal jurisprudence,” he stated.

He, therefore, believes the plaintiff, a lawyer cum law lecturer, Justice Abdulai should seek a review of the judgement.