Kewsi Pratt Jnr. (Photo Credit: Adomonline)
Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr has strongly criticized New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament (MPs) for their recent legal action.
According to a report by Adomonline on Thursday, October 24, 2024, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin’s lawsuit seeking clarification on certain clauses in Article 97 of the 1992 Constitution has drawn Pratt’s ire.
Pratt, known for his outspoken views, has previously expressed disappointment with the performance of NDC MPs in Parliament, suggesting they could do better despite being outnumbered by NPP MPs.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s lawsuit challenges Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant, citing the constitutional clauses that prompted the move.
Kwesi Pratt, a veteran Ghanaian journalist, recently expressed his disapproval of Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s lawsuit challenging Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant.
Kwesi Pratt Jnr strongly believes that the constitution’s language is crystal clear, making Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s lawsuit unnecessary.
According to Pratt, anyone who can read would understand that the affected MPs were rightfully removed from Parliament, as stated in Article 97.
“If we refer to the constitution, which provides the legal framework for parliamentary conduct, it’s so clear that this demand for Supreme Court interpretation is nonsensical,” Pratt remarked.
“The provisions are so clear that even children could read and understand them.”
Kwesi Pratt emphasized that Article 97, sections (g) and (h), of the Ghanaian Constitution clearly outline the circumstances under which a Member of Parliament loses their seat.
Specifically, an MP is disqualified if they leave the party that sponsored their election or attempt to remain in Parliament as an independent after joining a different party.
This constitutional provision ensures that elected representatives remain accountable to their original political affiliation and the constituents who voted for them.
Kwesi Pratt scornfully labeled the bid for clarification on Article 97 as “absurd,” suggesting that the provision’s meaning is self-evident, and only someone lacking understanding would seek further explanation.
Kwesi Pratt and Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi had a heated debate about the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) constitution and Article 97 of Ghana’s constitution.
Pratt pointed out that the NPP’s constitution states that members who contest elections as independents or against the party’s candidates are automatically expelled from the party.
However, Dr. Kissi argued that Article 97 only applies when a legislator changes their political affiliation within the same parliamentary term, questioning whether it applies to future terms.
Pratt swiftly rejected this interpretation, emphasizing that the provision is clear and unconditional.