This ruling had urged Bagbin to halt his decision to declare certain parliamentary seats vacant until the matter was fully resolved.
The controversy began when Afenyo-Markin and other members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) filed a petition to challenge Bagbin’s move to vacate seats for MPs from Agona West, Amenfi Central, Fomena, and Suhum constituencies, as they intend to contest future elections either independently or under different party banners.
The Supreme Court responded by directing Bagbin to pause this action until a comprehensive hearing could be conducted. Despite this directive, Bagbin proceeded, filing a subsequent appeal to overturn the court’s verdict, which was eventually dismissed.
In response, some factions have suggested that Bagbin should face contempt charges for disregarding the court’s orders. However, Afenyo-Markin, a lawyer by profession, clarified that such an action would likely fail.
During an interview on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo,” he explained, “He [Bagbin] cannot be found in that web of contempt.”
Afenyo-Markin noted that Bagbin has maneuvered within procedural limits, claiming that the sitting arrangements in Parliament fall under the Clerk’s domain, not his own.
Bagbin also contends he has not formally recognized the Minority as the Majority, which, Afenyo-Markin argued, complicates any contempt charges.
Nevertheless, he advised the Speaker to exercise a “moral duty” as a democratic leader by guiding the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority members back to their designated seats.
“It is good for his own image as a democrat and as a Statesman,” he said.