The Supreme Court has dismissed a request from lawyers representing the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, asking Justice Yao Gaewu to recuse himself from the panel adjudicating the case on the Speaker’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant.
During proceedings on Wednesday, October 30, Thaddeus Sory, lead counsel for the Speaker, objected to Justice Gaewu’s involvement, citing alleged political affiliations with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), a party central to the case.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo temporarily adjourned proceedings to consider the objection.
Upon resumption, the Chief Justice rejected the request, affirming Justice Gaewu’s position on the panel.
In addition, Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame petitioned the court to strike out specific paragraphs—21 and 49—from the Speaker’s affidavit, labelling them as “scandalous” for allegedly containing irrelevant and potentially damaging claims.
Joe Ghartey, representing NPP Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, was also prevented from making an initial statement. The court expressed disapproval, reprimanding Ghartey for permitting a junior colleague to open the defence, a decision they deemed disrespectful.
The hearing resumes as the court addresses arguments from both parties concerning the legality of the Speaker’s ruling on the four contested seats.
