The Minority caucus in Parliament, led by Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei, is demanding the immediate withdrawal of a notice sent to the Electoral Commission (EC) declaring the Kpandai parliamentary seat vacant.
Speaking to journalists, Madam Appiagyei revealed that the incumbent MP, Matthew Nyindam, has already filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal and has also initiated a judicial review application at the Supreme Court.
She questioned why Parliament would “rush to enforce a judgment that is legally suspended, ignore an appeal that is actively proceeding, and arrogantly presume to be more helpful to the superior courts.”
Arguing that Parliament is turning its back on a longstanding tradition of restraint, she said the House has historically upheld a bipartisan practice of protecting the mandate of sitting MPs until all legal processes have been fully exhausted.
Citing precedent, she referenced the case of former MP Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, whose election was annulled by a High Court but who continued to be recognized by Parliament after filing an appeal until the Court of Appeal delivered its final ruling.
“Why are they abandoning this wise and time-tested precedent?” she asked.
Madam Appiagyei described the notification to the EC as a “historic violation” of parliamentary norms, constitutional separation of powers, and the rights of the people of Kpandai.
She insisted that Parliament is “constitutionally, legally, democratically, and procedurally bound” to reverse what she termed a “premature notice.”
“This notice violates the separation of powers and disenfranchises the people of Kpandai. It must be withdrawn immediately. This is not about partisanship; it is a call for constitutional fidelity and historical consistency,” she stressed.
She further cautioned that the Minority will not cooperate with the Majority on government business if the notice is not reversed.
