"If I were president, I would have withdrawn the case from the Supreme Court" – Mahama

John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, has expressed that the current parliamentary deadlock could have been settled without involving the courts. Speaking to the clergy in Kumasi on Monday, November 11, Mahama stressed the value of dialogue and negotiation in resolving political conflicts, urging a cooperative approach to benefit all parties.

His comments come amid a legal dispute concerning Speaker Alban Bagbin’s recent decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant due to alleged constitutional violations by certain Members of Parliament. This declaration has sparked widespread debate and ultimately led to the Supreme Court’s temporary suspension of Speaker Bagbin’s ruling. A final decision is anticipated on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

Mahama argued that issues like this are more effectively handled through political channels than through the courts.

“This is an issue we can resolve politically, not legally. Although the Supreme Court may issue its ruling, Parliament, as an independent branch of government, might resist it. This matter calls for a political solution, and it’s up to the president to lead this process.”

Mahama added, “If I were president, I would have withdrawn the case from the Supreme Court and brought together both sides, their leaders, the Council of State, and the Speaker to find a solution. I believe this approach would bring resolution to the matter.”