Kufuor Breaks Silence On Standoff In Parliament

…Says Speaker Bagbin Holds Key To Solving Controversy

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, has broken his silence on ongoing national issues, particularly regarding the standoff in Parliament, where the August House, was forced to adjourn indefinitely for the second time on Thursday, November 7.

Without mincing words, the former president, who placed greater responsibility on Rt. Hon Speaker, Alban Sumana Bagbin, said he must take decisive action by demonstrating leadership to end the impasse once and for all.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Accra-based Asempa FM’s ‘Ekosii sen’ programe last Friday, November 8, Mr Kufuor, challenged the speaker to close all ranks and halt what has been described by the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, as a ‘constitutional crisis.’

Mr Kufuor, who spoke in Twi language, expressed disappointment over the situation, describing it as an “embarrassing” stalemate that could tarnish Bagbin’s otherwise enviable career.

“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.

Touching on the specific case of the vacant seats, Mr Kufuor, sided with the NPP’s position that the actions of the MPs, can only take effect in 2025.

He did not understand why there should even be a standoff in the first place, for the matter to end at the Supreme Court.

“If the Speaker has said he has not declared any seat vacant, he should, therefore allow the status quo to remain for the sake of the country, so that the present term of this Parliament, can end beautifully”.

Former President Kufuor, emphasized the importance of Speaker Bagbin’s role in resolving the impasse and called on him to prioritize stability and decorum in the House.

He warned that, if left unresolved, the current situation, could damage Mr Bagbin’s reputation and undermine his contributions to Ghana’s political landscape.

Supreme Court sits Today

Meanwhile, the 5-member Supreme Court will today, November 11, sit on the substantive case, regarding the ousting of three lawmakers, whose decision to contest the December election as independent candidate, with on rejoining the NPP, has brought the controversy in Parliament.

Among the four MPs, three are from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) while one other representing the Amenfi Central constituency, is from the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

While, the NDC is not explicit on what should be done to an MP who contests as independent candidate, leaving it in the hands of the party, the NPP, is clear in its constitution that a member loses his membership the moment they join another party or contest election as independent or supports an independent candidate.

However, in the case of MP for Fomena constituency, Mr Andrew Amoako Asiamah, whose case the NDC is capitalizing on as a precedent, it was the NPP general secretary at the time, John Boadu, who wrote to the Speaker, Professor Mike Oquaye, to formally inform him of the vacant seat in 2020.

But in the current circumstance as a hung parliament, the announcement by Mr Bagbin, meant that the governing party, was going to be disadvantaged and their number would be reduced to 136 MPs, making them minority side.

Sensing danger, the NPP side led by their leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, hurriedly went to the Supreme Court to stay the execution of this announcement by the Speaker.

The court was gracious enough to grant Alex Afenyo-Markin’s request, where the issues have degenerated in the House into a full-blown national crisis.

The two sides, have since been arguing on, who is the majority and minority side, leaving the Speaker no option than to suspend the House indefinitely twice.

Source: Anchorghana.com