In a fiery critique of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s comments on the status of the four MPs facing legal challenges, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram Constituency, has condemned the Vice President’s statements, describing them as uninformed and hypocritical.
Addressing Dr Bawumia’s remarks that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) should seek a majority through polling stations rather than parliamentary manoeuvring, Hon. Sam George questioned the legitimacy of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) claimed a majority in the 8th Parliament of Ghana.
“In this entire matter of the status of the 4 MPs, the most uninformed argument I have heard is from Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. Extremely shallow. How many Parliamentary seats did the NPP win in 2020? 137. How many did the NDC win? 137! So where did he get his majority from?”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, MP for Ningo-Prampram Constituency
He pointed out that the NPP’s majority status was not achieved at the polling stations but through a crucial decision made by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.
According to Hon. Sam George, Speaker Bagbin determined that Hon. Andrew Asiamah, the independent MP for Fomena, would be counted as part of the NPP caucus, giving them the advantage they now claim.
He pointed out the irony in the ruling New Patriotic Party’s current stance, which seeks to undermine the Speaker’s authority while benefiting from his earlier decisions.
“Their majority rests in the pronouncement of Rt. Hon Alban S.K. Bagbin. Today, they claim he has no power to make a determination and declaration on who holds the majority in the same Parliament of Ghana. Shameless hypocrisy on full display.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, MP for Ningo-Prampram Constituency
Parliament and its Constitutional Authority
Beyond the political sparring, the Ningo-Prampram MP urged Parliament to defend its constitutional role against any attempts at executive or judicial overreach.
He highlighted the sacred duty of Parliament to protect the Constitution and prevent abuses of power from any quarter, be they executive or judicial.
“Parliament of Ghana remains the bastion of Ghana’s democracy and the only voice of the masses in the governance architecture. Tomorrow is indeed pregnant,” he added, leaving a cryptic remark suggesting that the political situation may unfold in unexpected ways.
Judicial Overreach, a Call for Major Judicial Reforms
Adding to the debate, National Democratic Congress (NDC) activist Dela Coffie echoed concerns over the ongoing controversy surrounding the Speaker’s declaration of vacancies for the four MPs’ seats.
He praised the NDC Bawku Central MP, Hon. Mahama Ayariga’s reasoning on the issue, asserting that Speaker Bagbin’s decision was rooted in established parliamentary rules and did not violate the Constitution.
“So, if Speaker Bagbin’s action is actually rooted in established parliamentary rules and does not violate any constitutional provision, why the hell is the Supreme Court intruding into parliamentary business?”
Dela Coffie, NDC Activist
Dela Coffie expressed frustration with what he perceives as judicial overreach into legislative matters. He went further, alleging a selective and inconsistent application of judicial principles, which he believes have led to anti-democratic outcomes.
He also criticized the growing partisanship within the judiciary, arguing that it undermines Ghana’s democracy. “
“This country needs resetting and major reforms to overcome political partisanship at the judiciary and to restore objectivity, and a willingness to act in favor of the law, rather than the ruling class,” he stated, calling for systemic changes to strengthen Ghana’s democratic institutions.
As legal battles over the parliamentary seats continue, these criticisms underscore the growing tensions surrounding the balance of power and the role of key institutions in the country’s democracy.
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