The suggestion by Nene Sakite II, the Konor of Manya Krobo and President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs for Ghana to operate a bicameral type of Parliament that will include traditional leaders, in addition to other crucial stakeholders, should be given due attention.
Being made up of two chambers, a bicameral legislature does not sound like a new idea. For example, the United Kingdom and United States have effectively adopted it, thus ensuring efficiency and balance in the governance process.
The UK Parliament is composed of two chambers, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. As critics note, this design enables detailed examination of bills passed by the lower chamber before enacting them into law, making sure they are not merely rushed through without proper scrutiny.
Consequently, it acts as a check against arbitrary laws emanating from the House of Commonsby making sure there are different perspectives.
Similarly, in America, the Congress is divided into the Senate and the House of Representatives.
While many people assume that smaller states would have no voice against more populous ones, equal representation for each state regardless of size creates balance within Congress, hence providing checks on large states, which makes legislation more concise than if there were only a few representatives from specific regions.
In Africa, Nigeria exemplifies an instance where there is something relevant about a bicameral system truly at work. The Nigerian National Assembly also consists of the Senate and House (House of Representatives), just like the United States Congress.
By having a Senate that has equal representation from each state, the interests of smaller states can be protected as well. This in turn makes it possible to have more comprehensive debates on national issues and result in legislation that is more inclusive of regional differences.
According to Nene Sakite II, it would be expedient for Ghana to take up this suggestion and establish a second chamber so as to deal with some difficulties identified.
In many ways, the current one-house system works fine; however, sometimes it gets stuck between political disputes and inefficiency arising from this.
The Chronicle understands that a secondary chamber with traditional leaders and non-political stakeholders could offer a place for differing voices while calming down the political heat whenever that occurs. This can yield better laws and ensure decision-making based on broad national considerations.
However, there are several challenges associated with the introduction of a second chamber. One major concern is legislative delays which may arise if this proposal is adopted.
Also, we think that when contemporary problems need immediate attention, judicious decisions are taken fast, thus it will not work well since bicameralism slows down legislative processes.
It is our opinion that Ghana should also consider the high cost associated with maintaining an additional chamber as well as handling two different legislations, vis-à-vis the population and total GDP.
At the same time, there should be care in terms of composition for this proposed second chamber. We are not by this saying that what the revered chief has put on the table for deliberation is wrong. We are only pointing out the pros and cons.
In the UK and the USA, as we referenced earlier, the upper chambers are filled with people who bring a lot of experience and knowledge to the table.
In his opinion, Nene Sakite II did not advocate a replica of the existing Parliament but the second chambershould involve traditional leaders like Nene Sakite II suggests, and other stakeholders whose insights would better national governance.
The call, if accepted, will require constitutional amendments to give legal backing to the bicameral system in Ghana.
Ultimately, we hold the position that it is all about consultation. The debate on whether or not there should be a second chamber should involve all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political parties, civil society organisations, academia, the media and the general public.
While population is a factor in deciding on a bicameral system, we do not think it is a key determining point. This is because a bicameral system can work effectively with even a smaller population than that of our nation.
There is no denying that putting measures in place to strengthen democracy should have the support of the entire country.
With comprehensive discussion and attentive planning, Ghana can make any changes aimed at strengthening its institutional democratic values within parliament so as to meet her people’s aspirations.
