The Executive Director of African Center for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) Dr. Rasheed Draman has expressed his profound concerns about the current state of absenteeism in Ghana’s 9th Parliament and its role in resetting the nation’s governance.
Speaking candidly on the challenges facing the legislative body, Dr. Draman emphasized the urgent need for Parliament to rise, prioritize its responsibilities, and ensure accountability. He stated;
“I will just appeal to the leadership of Parliament because we’ve talked about this over and over and over. The time to crack the pipe I believe is now.’’
Dr. Rasheed Draman Executive Director, ACEPA
His remarks reflect the frustration many Ghanaians feel about the inefficiencies within the legislative system.
Dr. Draman lamented the apparent absenteeism among Members of Parliament (MPs), particularly during crucial decision-making processes such as the approval of ministers.
He described the current state as detrimental to the progress of a country facing significant challenges. He lamented;
“I mean this kind of pictures you are showing us on the screen—members of Parliament that we are paying to show up and work will not show up. Are they at the Jubilee House lobbying for positions or where are they? Where exactly are they?”
Dr. Rasheed Draman Executive Director, ACEPA
Dr. Draman urged the leadership of Parliament, under the guidance of the Right Honorable Speaker, to enforce stricter measures to ensure attendance and participation. Dr. Draman reiterated the NDC’s Resetting agenda and stated otherwise if parliament neglects its role. He emphasized;
“Going back to the reset agenda is just going to be a mirage because we would have the minority show up and the majority will be absent, particularly at this very important moment when you are approving ministers to lead a country that is on its knees. I mean, we are on our knees as a country in terms of the challenges that we face.”
Dr. Rasheed Draman Executive Director, ACEPA
His statement underscores the critical role Parliament plays in addressing the nation’s pressing issues. However, he cautioned that without a commitment to change, the reset agenda will fail to achieve its goals.
The Role of Parliament in Resetting Ghana
From Dr. Draman’s perspective, a functional and effective Parliament is essential for resetting Ghana. He called for a shift away from the overly partisan nature of the current legislative system.
“For me, if I look at things from the perspective of Parliament, it is to ensure that we have a Parliament that is not overly partisan—a Parliament that will do the work of our country.”
“A Parliament that is not going to be a rubber stamp because of the huge numbers that the NDC has—that would endorse everything that comes from the Jubilee House.”
Dr. Rasheed Draman Executive Director, ACEPA
Dr. Draman highlighted the need for strong, inclusive, and collaborative leadership within Parliament.
He reminded the new leadership Honorable Mahama Ayariga of his vow to commitment. He emphasized;
“In the new look that we have in the leadership of Honorable Mahama Ayariga, I think we’ve heard him make a very clear statement about the fact that he’s going to give space to the minority. Despite the dwindled numbers of the NPP, I think they have a very important role to play, and they need to be given the space.’’
“We want a leader or a leadership of the majority that will be tolerant, that will be open to criticism, that will be open to dialogue, and more importantly, that will be open to some negotiation, even if they can always have their way.’’
Dr. Rasheed Draman Executive Director, ACEPA
For Dr. Draman, the vision of resetting Ghana goes beyond Parliament. He argued that the broader agenda for national progress requires collective effort and a commitment to doing things differently.
“If it becomes business as usual and we see a Parliament that is always shouting in favor of the executive, then I guess this agenda for reset is in jeopardy.’’
Dr. Rasheed Draman Executive Director, ACEPA
Dr. Rasheed Draman’s passionate appeal to Parliament serves as a reminder of the critical role the legislative body plays in shaping the future of Ghana.
His call for accountability, inclusivity, and effective leadership is a clarion call to all stakeholders to prioritize the nation’s interests over partisanship.
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