Ayariga Cautions Against Automatic Seat Loss for Detained MPs
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has warned against interpreting the Constitution in a way that could see detained Members of Parliament automatically lose their seats.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness, Ayariga argued that applying the constitutional absenteeism rule without regard to the circumstances of an MP’s absence risks setting a troubling precedent, one where an MP could be removed from Parliament simply for being arrested, even before any allegations against them are proven.
“If we allowed that precedent, what will happen is that an MP is arrested on the basis of trumped-up charges and then after 15 days, I will say his seat is vacant,” he said.
His remarks come amid debate over the prolonged absence of Asante Akyem North MP Kwame Ohene Frimpong, who was arrested at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam on May 8 over allegations of money laundering and romance scam-related offences. Frimpong’s continued absence has raised questions about Article 97(1)(c) of the 1992 Constitution, which allows a parliamentary seat to be declared vacant after 15 consecutive sittings without permission.
Ayariga maintained that Parliament must avoid setting a precedent that could later be used against MPs unable to attend sittings due to detention beyond their control.
