Vacant seats saga: Senyo Hosi takes on Speaker, Chief Justice

Finance and economic policy analyst Mr Senyo Hosi has issued an urgent appeal to the Chief Justice and the Speaker of Parliament, voicing deep concerns about public disillusionment with the judiciary and the legislature warning of potential consequences for the country’s democratic stability.
In an open letter to both Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo and Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, Mr Hosi outlined his views on recent judicial decisions, and the actions of the Speaker which he believes are amplifying doubts about Ghana’s democratic institutions.
The letter critiques perceived judicial biases and calls for impartiality from the Chief Justice while urging the Speaker of Parliament to respect the authority of the courts.

Restoring judicial trust and integrity
Mr Hosi’s letter to Chief Justice Torkornoo centers on a troubling decline in public trust in the judiciary.
Citing an Afrobarometer survey, he pointed out that public confidence in the judiciary has fallen from 56% in 2012 to just 35% in 2024.
For him, this statistic reflects mounting skepticism about the judiciary’s independence, with many citizens perceiving undue influence from the Executive branch.
“From nicknames like ‘Unanimous FC’ to ‘WeKTO Centre,’” Mr Hosi wrote, “a section of Ghanaians mock the predictable manner in which cases are decided by the apex court.”
He added that these terms point to the frustration of a section of the public with the perceived predictability and bias of court rulings.
Mr Hosi specifically referenced the Supreme Court’s handling of the controversial Afenyo Markin vs. Speaker of Parliament case, where he questioned the court’s decision to assume jurisdiction over a matter he believes belongs to the High Court under Article 99 of the Constitution.
This case, he argued, deviated from typical judicial practice, raising concerns about the impartiality and independence of the judiciary.
He criticized the swift processing of the case by the Supreme Court, noting that similar high-profile cases often face significant delays.
He contrasted this prioritization with the court’s inaction on similar matters, particularly the unresolved issue of parliamentary representation for the people of SALL.
In his advice to Chief Justice Torkornoo, Mr Hosi urged her to reassert the judiciary’s independence and act as a “stabilizing force” within Ghana’s democratic system.
He appealed for what he termed “neutral partisanship,” emphasizing that public perception of the judiciary’s impartiality is crucial.
“You are not in the eye of any storm,” Mr Hosi concluded, “Rather, your actions have become the storm, and Ghana is in your eye.”

Upholding constitutional authority
Turning to Speaker Bagbin, Mr Hosi offered a separate but equally impassioned message, emphasizing the importance of respecting judicial authority.
He warned that ignoring the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Afenyo Markin case could lead to “High Crime” charges and set a dangerous precedent where other government branches might feel justified in disregarding court rulings.
According to Mr Hosi, such an act would disrupt Ghana’s delicate balance of governance and risk undermining democratic stability.
“Our Constitution,” he reminded the Speaker, “grants the Supreme Court final authority in national conflicts.
“Disrespecting this role could lead to chaos, with various arms of government disregarding court orders, throwing the country into anarchy.”
While acknowledging that the Speaker may disagree with the court’s decisions, Mr Hosi cautioned against allowing partisan or personal convictions to override judicial rulings.
He argued that even flawed rulings should be obeyed, as they maintain order and uphold the rule of law.
Disobedience, he asserted, would reset Ghana’s governance structures to a chaotic and “primordial” state.
Mr Hosi further warned against partisan influences that may encourage the Speaker to disregard judicial decisions.
He encouraged Speaker Bagbin to focus on national unity rather than yield to the divisive pressures of political partisanship, which he believes would weaken democratic governance.

A call for legacy and unity
Mr Hosi concluded his letter with a plea to both leaders, calling for a focus on their legacies as statesmen.
He urged Chief Justice Torkornoo and Speaker Bagbin to put the nation’s stability and unity above individual or partisan interests.
“To the Speaker,” Hosi emphasized, “your respect for constitutional authority will secure your legacy as an exemplary statesman.”
His message to the Chief Justice was similar, pressing her to prioritize justice and public confidence in the judiciary, which he views as crucial to Ghana’s democratic future.