Remarking on Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to adjourn Parliament amid the ongoing controversy, Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare has expressed concern over the potential long-term consequences.
He emphasized that setting a negative precedent today could have lasting effects, as it may be invoked in future parliamentary decisions.
According to Prof. Asare, actions taken in the current political climate should be carefully considered, as they could influence how future issues are handled, potentially eroding the integrity of the parliamentary process over time.
“The future application will have consequences more devastating than the effects of the precedent.
“Those who are silent when the precedent is set will not be listened to when it’s applied in the future. Showdowns only work when they occur spontaneously. A showdown will be destroyed if it’s pre-announced”.
Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare
Prof. Asare elaborated that a critical lesson from both the dismissal of the Fomena MP and the recent Supreme Court ruling on Parliament’s internal issues is the importance of following due process.
He emphasized the need for thorough hearings at all levels of governance to ensure fairness and accountability.
He stressed that when decisions are made hastily, without adequate consideration—what he referred to as “supersonic justice“—they are more likely to clash with the principles of fairness and legal integrity.
According to him, taking the time to uphold due process is essential to avoiding future conflicts and maintaining the credibility of democratic institutions. “Political convenience today can become political peril tomorrow”.
Prof. Asare cautioned that relying on short-term fixes to address immediate political or institutional challenges inevitably results in long-term crises.
He emphasized that while these temporary solutions may seem effective at the moment, they often fail to address the root causes of the issues, leading to deeper problems down the line.
According to him, in the end, it is the Ghanaian people who bear the brunt of these poor decisions, as the long-term consequences hinder progress, weaken institutions, and erode public trust in governance.
MPs Urged to Prioritize Ghana’s Interests
Meanwhile, security expert Prof. Kwesi Aning urged Members of Parliament to remember their primary responsibility is to serve the people of Ghana, not their personal interests.
He stressed that as the country nears its next election, peace and responsible leadership are more crucial than ever, calling on lawmakers to prioritize the nation’s well-being over political or personal gain.
Accordingly, the security expert urged both the ruling party and the opposition to reflect on the core reasons they entered politics and to consider the long-term impact of their actions on the nation’s future.
He advised political leaders to stay mindful of their duty to the people and ensure their decisions contribute positively to the country’s progress rather than serving short-term political agendas.
“When you let us slip down the slippery slope and this gets out of hand, you will not escape yourself. Think about yourself. Think about your children. Think about your children’s children. None of us will be able to survive this. We have a very short time to pull back from the brink”.
Prof. Kwesi Aning
Prof. Aning further urged MPs to exhibit maturity and genuine patriotism, emphasizing that these are precarious times for the nation.
He highlighted the pressing need for political leaders to prioritize the well-being of the country over partisan interests, especially given the heightened tensions that often accompany election periods.
Prof. Aning expressed hope that Parliament would rise to the occasion, demonstrating the necessary leadership and willingness to make sacrifices.
Accordingly, he called on lawmakers to foster an environment of collaboration and respect, ensuring that the nation can navigate the upcoming election in a peaceful and orderly manner.
The public is divided on the speaker’s decision to declare the seats of carpet-crossing MPs vacant, with some arguing that the action was within his authority while others view it as an overreach.
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