Mussa Dankwah, Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, noted that the situation in Parliament, with sitting NDC/NPP MPs running as independents within 49 days, clearly demonstrates that Ghanaians “do not appreciate” conflicts of interest.
Dankwah questioned whose interests these MPs would be serving during the final days of the current Parliament.
He also raised concerns about how these MPs’ independent ambitions align with their parties’ interests and what kind of relationship they would maintain with their colleagues during this period.
“Imagine Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Maarkin or Hon. Cassieel Ato Forson now saying they are contesting as IND candidates, will they be allowed to still lead their parties in the house or they would have been expelled?
Mussa Dankwah
Dankwah further elaborated that the core issue stems from Ghana’s hung parliament, which has created an environment where MPs feel empowered to pursue independent ambitions despite their party affiliations.
He argued that if the parties had taken decisive action to expel these MPs, it would have prevented the current constitutional crisis and set a strong precedent for maintaining party discipline.
According to Dankwah, such a move would have reinforced the importance of party loyalty and accountability, ensuring that MPs act in the best interests of their parties and the country, rather than their personal ambitions.
He pointed out that the parties are reluctant to take such decisive action because they fear the potential consequences and political fallout.
Expelling MPs, especially in a hung parliament, could risk losing critical votes and diminishing the parties’ influence and bargaining power in legislative decisions.
According to Dankwah, this hesitation reflects a lack of courage and highlights the parties’ prioritization of short-term political gain over upholding principles and maintaining accountability within their ranks.
He emphasized that, without the will to enforce party discipline, the parties are allowing a constitutional crisis to escalate, ultimately compromising the integrity of the parliamentary system and the trust of the electorate.
Major Parties’ Politics of Convenience
Furthermore, Mussa Dankwah argued that the current situation clearly illustrates the politics of convenience practiced by the two major parties, the NDC and NPP.
He suggested that both parties prioritize their immediate political interests over maintaining consistent principles and values.
This approach not only undermines public trust but also highlights a lack of commitment to genuine party discipline and accountability, ultimately contributing to the erosion of democratic integrity in the country.
“Maybe, the NDC should dismiss their MP who has gone independent and let’s see what the NPP will do or vice versa.
“Or the MPs can avert this crisis by resigning honorably themselves so we will know what the parties will do”.
Mussa Dankwah
Dankwah emphasized that, as a result, constitutional reforms should be a top priority for any future government.
He argued that revising the Constitution is crucial for addressing the current political challenges and strengthening governance structures.
By implementing these reforms, the government can enhance accountability, consistency, and integrity within the political system.
This proactive approach, he indicated, could ultimately lead to a more stable and effective governance framework for Ghana. “The framers of the Constitution did not anticipate that Ghanaians would become what we have become now”.
Dankwah further urged that, with at least three MPs now running as independents, the parties should consider issuing “a three-line whip” against them during votes in the House.
He questioned whether the parties have the resolve to enforce party discipline in this situation and emphasized the importance of maintaining cohesion within their ranks to uphold the integrity of the parliamentary process.
By taking such action, Dankwah believes the parties could send a strong message about accountability and loyalty, reinforcing the expectation that MPs should act following their party’s values and objectives.
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