I was granted the opportunity to observe the legislative body of Ghana in the afternoon of Wednesday, July 12, 2023 – The Parliament of Ghana.
The Parliament of Ghana consists of two main political parties: the New Patriotic Party (NPP – Majority) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC – Minority), an independent member.
Last week Wednesday, July 12, 2023 both parties discussed the increasing walk-outs and boycotts by the NDC in Parliament, among other issues.
Prosecution of minority Members
The Minority party holds the view that the prosecution in the courts of Members of Parliament from their side of the house is unjust.
MP for Assin North constituency, James Gyakye Quayson has been charged for deceit of Public officer, forgery of passport, knowingly making a false statutory declaration, perjury and false declaration for office.
MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam Constituency, Cassiel Ato Baah Forson is facing charges of wilfully causing financial loss to the Republic of Ghana, contrary to Section 179A (3) (a) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29), whilst MP for Asutifi South, Collins Dauda is also facing charges of wilfully causing financial loss to the state, issuing false certificates, and intentionally misapplying public property.
All the Members of Parliament being prosecuted in court are from the minority NDC party.
Role of religion in Parliament
The most evident difference in the governing body in Ghana, compared to the United States, is the welcoming and friendly nature of the Members of Parliament. This is also extended to the general public as well. The U.S. government does not allow visitors or citizens or the public to sit in during Congress.
Another thing I observed is the role that ‘respect and religion’ plays in Ghana’s Parliament. Many people bow upon arriving or leaving the chamber. Everyone stood up for the Speaker of Parliament to conduct a prayer before the commencement of businessfor the day. This is interesting to me. In the U.S. there is a strict demarcation of the church and the state. However, Ghanaians believe it is of utmost importance to include faith in their official routines.
Heated debate
It was a heated debate at Parliament as members discussed a leaked audio about a plan to remove the current Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare before the 2024 election.
The debate was fierce and many members talked over each other and shouted. The Speaker attempted to calm down the heated members and directed for a formal submitted proposal in writing,to guide his directive in setting up a committee to probe the leaked IGP audio.
Absence of the Minority
The members of Parliament also discussed the ethics and the ubiquitous absence of the Minority members, regarding their boycott of the house. Many called upon the unfair aspect of the Minority members dismissing the known rule of required permission from the Speaker. The Speaker encouraged a vote from both parties to determine the fairness of this rule for demonstration purposes.
By McKenzie Days, U.S Student on Internship at The Chronicle
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect The Chronicle’s stance.
