Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, the Member of Parliament for the Anyaa-Sowutuom Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, has sharply criticized the main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), labeling it an irresponsible opposition party.

Dr. Adomako Kissi, who recently lost in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) primary, did not hold back in his assessment of the NDC’s conduct in opposition. He asserted that Ghana’s development is significantly hampered by the absence of a responsible opposition party, which he believes is crucial for a thriving democracy.

“We all know that we are recovering from the pandemic, and as a country, we need to pick up the pace and double our efforts. But the NDC only opposes without seeing the need to be responsible.”
Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, MP for the Anyaa-Sowutuom Constituency

In his remarks, Dr. Adomako Kissi emphasized that the role of the opposition is not just to oppose but to do so responsibly and constructively. He accused the NDC of consistently opposing government initiatives without offering viable alternatives, thereby acting irresponsibly and doing a disservice to Ghanaians.

Dr. Adomako Kissi drew a comparison with Ivory Coast, suggesting that Ghana is lagging because it lacks a responsible opposition. “Ivory Coast, among others, is far ahead of Ghana because they have a responsible opposition that cares about government business,” he claimed.

The MP urged the NDC to fulfill its duty to Ghanaians by being a responsible opposition to ensure good governance.

Highlighting the challenges faced by Ghana in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Adomako Kissi noted that the country needs to take decisive steps to accelerate its recovery. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between the ruling party and the opposition to achieve this goal. “As we navigate the post-pandemic recovery, it is imperative that both parties in Parliament act responsibly to foster a healthy democratic environment,” he said.

The MP recounted a particular incident to illustrate his point. He described arriving in Parliament at 9:00 am, only to find the opposition absent. Upon inquiry, he was informed that they were supporting the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, in his court case. Dr. Adomako Kissi found this troubling, suggesting that the NDC could have delegated a smaller group of MPs to accompany the Minority Leader to court while ensuring parliamentary business continued.

Call for Responsible Governance

Dr. Adomako Kissi also underscored the need for both the ruling party and the opposition to act responsibly to prevent the President from vetoing the work of Parliament, which would undermine the Legislature. “It’s crucial for the integrity of our democracy that both sides of the aisle behave responsibly. This prevents any one branch of government from becoming overly dominant,” he asserted.

Dr. Adomako Kissi reiterated the importance of responsible behavior from both the ruling party and the opposition to foster a healthy democratic environment. He urged the NDC to reconsider their approach and work towards being a constructive and responsible opposition for the benefit of all Ghanaians.

“The future of our democracy and the welfare of our citizens depend on a responsible opposition. The NDC must rise to this challenge and contribute positively to the governance of Ghana.”
Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, MP for the Anyaa-Sowutuom Constituency

Dr. Adomako Kissi’s call for responsible opposition underscores the need for collaborative efforts in addressing the nation’s challenges and ensuring sustainable development. As Ghana continues to navigate its post-pandemic recovery, the role of responsible and constructive opposition becomes increasingly vital in shaping policies and decisions that impact the lives of its citizens.