Haruna Mohammed, the Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in a recent interview, made headlines with his strong criticism of Alban Bagbin, the current Speaker of Parliament. Mohammed stated that Bagbin should refrain from discussing matters related to the upcoming Ninth Parliament, asserting that he will not hold the position of Speaker in the next legislative session.
During his appearance on GH ONE TV, Mohammed expressed his discontent with Bagbin’s comments regarding the new Parliament. He firmly stated, “Bagbin should shut up; he is not going to be a Speaker in the Ninth Parliament.” His remarks suggest that he believes Bagbin’s involvement in discussions about the new Parliament is inappropriate and premature.
Mohammed also took issue with Bagbin’s interpretation of the Electoral Commission’s (EC) role in the swearing-in of Members of Parliament. He explained that just because the EC declares someone a winner, it does not automatically mean they are qualified to be sworn in. According to him, there are necessary legal procedures that must be followed, such as the preparation and gazetting of a writ by the Returning Officer. As a lawyer, Mohammed feels Bagbin should be aware of these legal nuances, and he criticized him for making what he sees as misleading statements.
Additionally, Mohammed cautioned against making reckless pronouncements that could undermine the rule of law. He emphasized the importance of respecting established legal processes and not rushing to conclusions that might disrupt the legal framework of the country. “Let’s not joke with the law. It is imperative to uphold the laws of this country and respect the intellectuals who interpret and enforce them,” he stated.
Bagbin had previously remarked that parliamentary candidates whose results were annulled by the Supreme Court are not eligible to be sworn in as Members of Parliament on January 6, 2025. This statement has drawn significant attention and controversy, prompting Mohammed’s strong response.
