In what can only be described as a blistering attack, former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has unleashed a sharp criticism of Speaker Alban Bagbin, blaming his “bloated ego” for the current parliamentary crisis. As someone who’s covered Ghana’s political landscape for over two decades, I can tell you – this is not your typical political spat.
Amidu’s criticism centers on two key issues:
- Bagbin’s controversial declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant.
- His subsequent refusal to comply with the Supreme Court’s stay order.
According to Amidu, the Speaker’s actions have:
- Created deep divisions within Parliament
- Strained executive-legislative relations
- Caused emotional rifts that could take years to heal
- Undermined long-standing parliamentary conventions
The timing of Amidu’s criticism is particularly significant, coming right after the Supreme Court’s 5-2 decision that overturned Bagbin’s declaration. The ruling effectively demolished the Speaker’s interpretation of Article 97(1)(g) and (h) of the Constitution.
Behind the Scenes
What’s particularly interesting about this situation is Amidu’s revelation about the Tamale South incident. He claims he warned an emissary of Haruna Iddrisu about the doomed nature of this political maneuver before it even reached Parliament.
The big question now is how Speaker Bagbin will navigate these turbulent waters. As Amidu pointedly notes, we’re all waiting to see how the Speaker will “eat humble pie” and reconvene Parliament.
This confrontation represents more than just a clash of personalities – it’s a fundamental test of our democratic institutions and their ability to resolve constitutional crises.
What do you think about this political standoff? Is Amidu’s criticism justified, or is there more to this story? Share your thoughts below.
