Show leadership, resolve Parliamentary Impasse - Kufuor tells Bagbin
Accra, Ghana - Nov 9, 2024 - Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has urged Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Bagbin to take decisive action and restore order in the House amidst an ongoing standoff over majority seating arrangements.
The impasse, sparked by the Supreme Court's decision to stay Bagbin's ruling declaring four parliamentary seats vacant, has pitted the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The NDC claims majority status in the house following Bagbin's initial ruling, occupying seats previously reserved for the NPP. However, the NPP disputes this, and their absence from the chamber has stalled proceedings and heightened tensions. Kufuor described the situation as "embarrassing" and warned that it could tarnish Bagbin's reputation if left unchecked.
In an interview with Asempa FM, Kufuor urged Bagbin to resolve the impasse, stressing the need for stability and decorum in the House. "I will plead with the Speaker of Parliament to step up and show leadership... What's happening in parliament is embarrassing. It can destroy his illustrious record," he said.
As the standoff continues, concerns grow about the impact on Ghana's democratic landscape. The country has made significant strides in democratic governance, with Bagbin himself highlighting the importance of parliamentary democracy in regional cooperation ². However, the current impasse threatens to undermine these gains.
Source: Lead News Online
