Accra: Mr Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the Parliamentary Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed his approval of the Supreme Court's decision deeming the Speaker's declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant unconstitutional. According to Ghana News Agency, the Majority Leader issued a statement following the court ruling, stating, "Today's ruling by the Supreme Court, delivered by a considered majority of 5:2, brings much-needed clarity to a complex constitutional matter that has occupied our august House for some time." Mr Afenyo-Markin explained that the case he presented before the Supreme Court aimed at seeking clarity on Article 97(1)(g) and (h) of the 1992 Constitution, specifically concerning the Speaker's authority to declare parliamentary seats vacant. He noted that while they await the Court's full written reasoning, the decision on this constitutional question is clear and binding: The Constitution does not gran t the Speaker the power to declare parliamentary seats vacant. This landmark decision affects four members of the House: Madam Cynthia Mamle Morrison, NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for Agona West; Mr Peter Yaw Kwakye Ackah, National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Amenfi Central; Mr Kwadjo Asante, NPP MP for Suhum; and Mr Andrew Asiamah Amoako, Independent MP for Fomena. While three of these members had filed to contest the upcoming December 7 elections as independent candidates, Mr Asiamah Amoako had chosen to return to the NPP fold. The Court's decision affirms their current standing as legitimate members of the Eighth Parliament. Mr Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the Supreme Court's decision should not be seen as a victory for one side or a defeat for another but rather as a triumph for the nation's constitutional democracy and the rule of law. He highlighted that it reinforces the principle that every institution in the Republic of Ghana must operate within the bounds of the Constitution. He extended a hand of friendship to his colleagues across the political divide, urging them to move beyond this episode and redirect their energies toward serving the good people of Ghana who elected them to represent their interests. He acknowledged the pressing challenges facing the nation that demanded their united attention and collaborative effort. Mr Afenyo-Markin reaffirmed his utmost respect for the Speaker's office and service to the nation, stating that this judicial interpretation of the Constitution should strengthen the relationship between leadership and members of the House. He expressed his anticipation for the Speaker to exercise his authority to reconvene Parliament, allowing them to resume their duty to the People of Ghana without further delay or discord. He called on all members of Parliament to view this moment as an opportunity for renewal, urging them to approach their duties with fresh vigor and determination to work together in the spirit of constructive dialogue and mutual respect. The clarific ation provided by the Supreme Court should serve as a foundation for more effective parliamentary proceedings, he concluded, emphasizing that their democracy emerges stronger when they respect the wisdom of the Constitution and its guardians' interpretation.