Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the North Tongu Member of Parliament, recently expressed his embarrassment at serving in the Eighth Parliament. This sentiment stems from the parliament's failure to represent all citizens of the country, particularly the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) ¹.
*Parliament: A Legislative Body*
Parliament is a legislative assembly of elected representatives that makes laws for a country or state. It is a cornerstone of democratic governance, providing a platform for debate, discussion, and decision-making.
*Key Functions:*
1. Lawmaking: Creating, amending, and repealing laws.
2. Representation: Representing the interests of constituents.
3. Oversight: Monitoring the executive branch and holding them accountable.
4. Budgeting: Approving government budgets and financial plans.
5. Accountability: Investigating and addressing public concerns.
*Types of Parliaments:*
1. Unicameral: One chamber (e.g., Sweden).
2. Bicameral: Two chambers (e.g., UK, US).
3. Tricameral: Three chambers (e.g., South Africa, 1984-1994).
*Parliamentary Structure:*
1. Members of Parliament (MPs): Elected representatives.
2. Speaker: Presiding officer, maintaining order and impartiality.
3. Committees: Specialized groups for specific tasks.
4. Sessions: Periods of parliamentary business.
*Parliamentary Systems:*
1. Westminster System (e.g., UK, Canada): Strong executive, ceremonial head of state.
2. Presidential System (e.g., US): Separate executive and legislative branches.
3. Hybrid Systems (e.g., France): Combining elements of Westminster and Presidential systems.
*Importance of Parliament:*
1. Democratic Representation
2. Accountability and Transparency
3. Lawmaking and Policy Development
4. Public Engagement and Participation
*Examples of Parliaments:*
1. United Kingdom Parliament
2. United States Congress
3. Canadian Parliament
4. European Parliament
5. Australian Parliament
Would you like to explore specific aspects of parliament or compare different parliamentary systems?
The SALL communities, which were carved out of the Volta Region and became part of the newly created Oti Region, were denied representation in Parliament due to an announcement by the Electoral Commission (EC) on December 6, 2020. This meant that approximately 17,000 people from these communities were unable to participate in the December 7, 2020, parliamentary election, although they were able to vote in the Presidential election ¹.
Ablakwa's statement highlights the injustice faced by the people of SALL, who have been without representation in Parliament for the past eight years. He emphasized that the country has done them a great disservice by denying them a voice in the lawmaking chamber ¹. This situation raises concerns about the democratic process and the rights of citizens to be represented in government.
*The Implications of SALL's Exclusion*
- _Lack of Representation_: The people of SALL have been denied a voice in Parliament, effectively silencing their concerns and needs.
- _Injustice_: The exclusion of SALL from parliamentary representation is a disservice to the citizens of the region.
- _Democratic Deficit_: The situation highlights flaws in the democratic process, undermining the principles of representation and equality.
Ablakwa's words serve as a reminder of the need for inclusive governance and the importance of ensuring that all citizens are represented in the decision-making process ¹.
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Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the North Tongu Member of Parliament, recently expressed his embarrassment at serving in the Eighth Parliament. This sentiment stems from the parliament's failure to represent all citizens of the country, particularly the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) ¹.
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