The Member of Parliament (MP) for Damongo, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, has pushed back against criticisms that Ghana’s opposition is “desperate” or overly eager in challenging government actions.

Speaking firmly in defence of the Minority’s approach in Parliament, the MP emphasized that the actions of the opposition are grounded in democratic responsibility, not political anxiety.

“We need to ask ourselves, what is the role of the opposition in a democracy such as ours? The role of the opposition essentially, first, is to keep the government accountable.
“This is absolutely important, which is why it is said that you cannot have a proper functioning democracy if there is a non-existent opposition”
Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, MP for Damongo

In a clear-eyed articulation of the constitutional role of opposition parties, Jinapor argued that the main Ghanaian opposition, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is simply carrying out its most sacred duty to keep the government in check.

Referencing Ghana’s post-independence constitutional development, the MP reminded critics that Ghana’s democratic structure expressly prohibits the existence of a one-party state. He pointed to history as the underlying reason behind this prohibition.

“It is a reaction to our history where we had a one-party state. The framers of our constitution felt that to have a one-party state means we do not have a true and functioning democracy”
Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, MP for Damongo

Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor 2 — Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, MP for Damongo

According to Jinapor, democracies everywhere cannot function effectively without an active and engaged opposition. The task of keeping the government accountable, he explained, is not just essential but foundational to the health of the republic.

Three Cardinal Pillars

The MP laid out what he described as the three cardinal pillars of a responsible opposition.

For him, Holding the government accountable, offering constructive criticism, and positioning itself as a viable alternative government are non-negotiable for any serious opposition. “These are the three cardinal pillars of any opposition worth its salt.”

Expanding on this, Jinapor said it is within these principles that the current NPP Minority is operating. He rejected claims that opposition parties are obstructive or overly aggressive in Parliament, instead asserting that their conduct is in line with democratic standards.

“So if you are in Parliament and a matter is brought to the floor of Parliament, a policy of the government is brought to the floor of Parliament, or there’s an issue in the country which is topical and relevant and the opposition raises issues about it, in so doing, it satisfies these three cardinal requirements or responsibilities of an opposition”
Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, MP for Damongo

He acknowledged that the “method or tone” of opposition engagement may be a matter of personal style but maintained that such stylistic concerns do not invalidate the core function of the opposition in democratic governance.

Broader Accountability Structure

While highlighting the centrality of the opposition, Jinapor also noted that accountability does not rest solely with the Minority.

“It is also the responsibility of the media, civil societies and the rest,” he said, highlighting the crucial role other political and societal actors play in holding power to account.

Nonetheless, he argued, the Parliamentary opposition has a duty to raise issues of national concern when they appear before the House or in the public domain.

“I’m not too sure whether that can be said to be trying too hard or being desperate or being eager or not giving the government time”
Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, MP for Damongo

The MP insisted that constructive criticism, even if uncomfortable, should be welcomed by any government that believes in democratic principles. He suggested that the government may even benefit from some of the opposition’s positions if taken in good faith.

“Once the outreach of the opposition satisfies these three cardinal ingredients of an opposition party… the opposition is doing its work”
Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, MP for Damongo