Political Scientist and Head of the Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana Dr. Kwame Asah Asante, has criticized the NPP for allowing Party Supporters into Parliament during a parliamentary session and the larger implications for Ghana’s democracy.
He touched on various aspects of parliamentary procedure, the role of external forces in legislative matters, and the consequences of partisan involvement in democratic processes.
“It’s good that the speaker made that prior arrangement before the day when they came also, we saw them. But I want to tie this one with something that none of the papers has featured, Ghanaian forces were officially invited to come and take charge of the security or even support the system that was in place.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist and Head of Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana
However, He raised an important question regarding the involvement of New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters at the parliamentary session. Despite the Ghana Armed Forces being present to ensure security, the appearance of hundreds of NPP supporters at the precincts of Parliament raised concerns.
The Role of NPP Supporters in Parliament
“My question is, who invited the NPP supporters to the place? That is a difficult one,” Meanwhile, reports came that, lot of them had shirts referencing MP of Nsawam Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Adompreh.
“Within the NPP, why would a matter of this nature prompt be sending supporters? What role did they play? I was looking forward to seeing them execute something, but they did nothing, because yes, you came to Parliament—to do what?”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist and Head of Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana
Criticism of Partisan Approaches
Dr. Asah Asante expressed strong disapproval of the NPP supporters’ presence, noting;
”… If NDC had done the same thing, the story would have been different and I believe that matters of this nature this necessary partisan position we take it doesn’t help anybody.”
“Sending people there to do what?… If other parties or even ordinary Ghanaians decided to go there in numbers, what would have been the situation?”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist and Head of Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana
Dr. Asah Asante called for accountability and suggested that whoever orchestrated the supporters’ presence must bow their heads in shame. He warned that such behavior undermines the integrity of Ghana’s democracy.
Parliamentary Leadership and Solutions
Dr. Asah Asante, drawing on his experience as a parliamentary reporter, highlighted how issues in Parliament are typically resolved through dialogue among leadership. He emphasized; “Leaders, plus the Speaker, find lasting solutions to problems, So, I don’t expect this type of approach.”
He further emphasized the importance of maintaining democratic norms and condemned any actions that could be seen as attempts to intimidate or influence parliamentary decisions.
“We don’t work in a democracy like that, it’s next to violence, and we don’t want that. It’s a shameful act, and it should not be repeated.”
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist and Head of Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana
Adjournment of Parliament: Clarity from the Speaker
Dr. Asah Asante also reflected on the Speaker’s decision to adjourn Parliament indefinitely, which caused some confusion regarding the reasons behind the decision. He explained that the Speaker’s ruling was based on parliamentary standing orders, particularly sections 104 and 102, which relate to quorum requirements.
“The quorum is one-third of members, but if you need a decision to be taken in Parliament, you need half of the members present.’’
Dr. Kwame Asah Asante Political Scientist and Head of Center for European Studies at the University of Ghana
Asah Asante explained that the Speaker was acting on information provided by the Table Office, which keeps records of attendance in Parliament.
He added that the Speaker would not have made such a decision without solid information, noting that the ruling would have been challenged if it were inaccurate.
In his final remarks, Dr. Asah Asante reiterated his concerns about the partisan involvement of NPP supporters and the potential damage to Ghana’s democratic institutions. He urged leaders to adhere to democratic principles and ensure that such incidents are not repeated.
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