Former President Kufuor on Parliamentary Dispute: Emphasizes Stability and Continuity Over Conflicts
In light of recent controversies in Ghana's Parliament, former President John Agyekum Kufuor shared his insights on four Members of Parliament (MPs) who intend to contest the upcoming December 2024 elections under different affiliations. He emphasized that these MPs' actions should not be seen as "crossing the floor" or formally switching party allegiance, as their intentions are directed at the next parliamentary session, beginning in January 2025.
In a conversation with Asempa FM’s Osei Bonsu on November 8, 2024, Kufuor highlighted that these MPs’ current actions do not justify classifying their seats as vacant. He cautioned against escalating the issue unnecessarily, pointing out that the public is closely observing the situation. He suggested that any abrupt actions could disrupt the nation’s peace, especially given the heightened political atmosphere surrounding the election.
The matter arose after Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin announced that the four MPs’ seats were vacant, a decision that has since been referred to the Supreme Court for interpretation under Article 97. Kufuor, however, argued that it would be prudent for the Speaker to maintain the current seating arrangements until the term concludes. He emphasized that allowing continuity in Parliament would reflect respect for the institutional process and reduce tension among lawmakers and the public.
Kufuor expressed disappointment in the ongoing dispute, calling it an "embarrassing" episode that could impact Bagbin's legacy as Speaker. He encouraged Bagbin to uphold his role as a leader and act in a manner that promotes stability in Parliament. He added that this responsibility requires Bagbin to leverage his position as the third-highest officeholder in Ghana, particularly as Parliament prepares for significant legislative activities in its final weeks, including the President’s last State of the Nation address, budget planning, and transitional arrangements.
Reflecting on the broader political impact, Kufuor urged Speaker Bagbin to embrace a conciliatory approach to ensure that Parliament can conclude its term harmoniously. He suggested that Bagbin’s commitment to decorum and stability could serve as a powerful testament to his career, preserving his reputation as a statesman and reinforcing public trust in the legislative process.
The former President reiterated that Ghanaians expect Parliament to end its current session with dignity, focusing on legislative duties rather than disputes. He advised that maintaining the status quo would allow a smooth transition into the next parliamentary session, while Bagbin's impartial leadership could further strengthen Ghana’s democratic institutions.
In the face of this debate, Kufuor’s comments serve as a call for wisdom and restraint, urging leaders to focus on Ghana’s broader interests rather than individual political gains.
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