The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has accused the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin of violating procurement laws by hiring Thaddeus Sory as a lawyer for the Parliamentary Service without the necessary approvals.
A letter from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) recently emerged, rejecting a request to single-source Thaddeus Sory as Parliament’s solicito.
Speaking to Journalist after Supreme Court hearing on Wednesday, Mr. Dame labeled the Speaker’s actions as unlawful.
Attorney General explained that the procurement of all goods, works, and services of any person with public funds must be with the approval of the Public Procurement Authority.
Mr. Dame argued that constitutional cases should not involve personal interests and emphasized that the Speaker’s role does not entitle him to legal representation on a personal basis.
He added that in constitutional cases, the primary concern is the true and accurate interpretation of the relevant constitutional provisions, rather than any individual’s personal interest.
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The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed the application by Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who sought to overturn the Court’s ruling that suspended his declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant.
This follows an initial suit filed by Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin, challenging the Speaker’s declaration.
The Speaker’s legal team argued that the Supreme Court lacked jurisdiction in this case, among other grounds canvassed in court.
However, after hearing arguments from all parties, including the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, the Supreme Court maintained that its earlier ruling was appropriate, stating that the Speaker’s appeal was without merit.
This decision holds particular significance as both sides in Parliament currently claim a majority.