The Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi, has cautioned Members of Parliament (MPs) against consistently resorting to the Supreme Court to resolve internal parliamentary disputes. He emphasized that such actions weaken the authority of Parliament and undermine its role in holding both the Executive and its own members accountable.
Speaking at a three-day orientation training for new members of the Ninth Parliament in Ho, Prof. Abotsi stressed that Parliament must prioritize internal mechanisms for conflict resolution rather than relying on judicial intervention. He warned that constant infighting within the House only serves to fragment the institution, ultimately benefiting the Executive.
Prof. Abotsi lamented that Parliament, despite being the strongest institution in a democracy, had grown weaker over time due to political party influences. He noted that while the Legislature is empowered to approve ministers, top-level appointments, and even members of the Judiciary, its effectiveness has been compromised by internal divisions.
He urged MPs to recognize and uphold the authority of the Speaker, who has the power under Order 129 to discipline members for misconduct. By failing to address internal disputes effectively, Parliament risks losing its autonomy and influence.
The legal scholar cautioned against the growing trend of MPs taking parliamentary disagreements to the Supreme Court. He explained that while courts typically do not limit their own jurisdiction, frequent invitations to intervene in parliamentary matters could lead to undue judicial influence over legislative affairs.
“Imagine a minister suing the President in court over an executive action—it would seem absurd,” he noted. “Similarly, when MPs take internal disputes to court, they essentially open up Parliament to external interference.”
To strengthen Parliament, Prof. Abotsi called for a renewed commitment to internal dispute resolution mechanisms and consensus-building among MPs. He stressed that a divided House diminishes its ability to function as an independent arm of government, making it vulnerable to Executive dominance.
The orientation event, attended by experts and experienced legislators, covered various topics, including the rights of the majority and minority, conflict management, lobbying, and effective legislative procedures. These sessions aimed to equip MPs with the skills necessary to navigate parliamentary affairs without unnecessary judicial intervention.
Prof. Abotsi’s remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining Parliament’s integrity and autonomy, ensuring it remains a strong pillar of democracy.
