Prof. Gyampo criticises vacating of MP seats due to cross-carpeting

Prof. Ransford Gyampo, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, has criticized how Ghana’s Parliament handles MPs switching political allegiances.

His concerns follow recent moves by MPs from both the NPP and NDC to contest as independent candidates in the 2024 elections.

Gyampo highlighted a flawed legal precedent set by Speaker Mike Oquaye in 2017, which required MPs planning to switch parties to vacate their seats.

He argued that this interpretation misreads the Constitution, which he believes only applies to MPs switching parties during their term, not for future elections. Gyampo warned against distorting legal precedents for political gain.

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