Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare, a lawyer and governance fellow at CDD Ghana, commended the resilience of Ghana’s eighth parliament, noting that the usual phrase, “the minority have their say, and the majority have their way,” did not apply to this unique assembly.
He emphasized that this parliament is historically distinctive, as it represents the first time Ghana’s legislature has been evenly split between the ruling and opposition parties.
According to Prof. Asare, this unusual balance of power posed unique challenges, demanding a high degree of collaboration, negotiation, and consensus-building to move legislation forward.
He highlighted that the eighth parliament’s structure has redefined expectations for Ghana’s democratic process and showcased the strength of a balanced legislative body.
“Honorable Members: As the general elections approach, we pause to appreciate the dedication and work you have shown over the past three years on behalf of the people. Yet, with only days until December 7, your work is not yet finished.
“Despite the challenges, you have accomplished much. From passing private member bills to revising standing orders, from conducting critical oversight to government members calling for the resignation of a minister, your achievements stand as milestones”.
Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare
Prof. Asare also acknowledged that Ghana’s eighth parliament has faced its share of challenges, citing, for example, a tendency to confirm nearly every nominee presented for appointment.
He pointed out that, despite this shortcoming, it’s vital to keep perspective, especially amid the current standoff regarding parliamentary seating arrangements.
According to Prof. Asare, the physical location of MPs in the chamber matters far less than the values and principles they stand for, as well as their commitment to serving the public.
He urged parliamentarians to remember that their mandate goes beyond simply holding a seat in parliament; it entails actively standing for the people who placed their trust in them.
This responsibility, he emphasized, is about championing the needs and aspirations of their constituents, pushing for accountability, and ensuring that their work ultimately benefits the nation.
Asare Urges Parliament to Prioritize Pending Legislation
Furthermore, Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare emphasized the urgency for parliament to set aside differences and work together with a unified purpose to pass the critical bills still pending their third reading.
He stressed that these bills represent significant time, resources, and effort invested by various stakeholders, and letting them lapse would be a substantial setback.
Prof. Asare cautioned that failing to act now would not only result in wasted years of legislative work but would also leave pressing national issues unaddressed.
He urged members of parliament to recognize the impact of their decisions on the country’s future and the importance of fulfilling their legislative duties to ensure that essential policies are enacted for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
“Now is the time to repeal laws that inadvertently enable illegal mining and to allocate funds to ensure a smooth transition to the 9th Parliament.
“GOGO urges you to use these last days of the 8th Parliament to make a lasting impact. No one wins when the people’s business is left undone”.
Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare
Addressing the current debate in parliament over which caucus, NDC or NPP, should hold the majority status, Prof. Asare observed that this distinction is ultimately of little importance in a parliament where no clear majority has ever existed.
He noted that the unique structure of the eighth parliament, with its evenly split representation, means that traditional notions of majority and minority hold less relevance and shouldn’t overshadow the work at hand.
Prof. Asare urged members of parliament to look beyond party lines and focus on fulfilling their collective mandate.
He encouraged them to approach the remainder of their term with dedication, a strong sense of purpose, and unity.
Prof. Asare emphasized that these values are essential to completing their legislative journey and enacting policies that serve the interests of all Ghanaians. “SALL is the cardinal sin of the 8th Parliament”.
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