The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has stressed the need for Ghanaians to be more tolerant of what happens in Parliament and to appreciate the essence of that decision.
He said that Ghanaians must know that democracy is not a determinant of just politicians and officials in government, but a collective product of the leadership of political, social, private, and academia in collaboration with the people.
In his Opening Remarks on First Meeting Of Second Session Sitting, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin said “The product of a hung Parliament marks a clear departure from the mantle “let the minority have its’ say, and the majority it’s the way.” Democracy has long gone beyond majority rule to participatory and inclusive governance – a type of governance where both the majority and minority will have their say, but the national interest will have its way. I think Ghanaians are right to move along with this improved system and the future of democratic governance in the world.”
“Beloved Ghanaians, the results of the 2020 elections brought a new order of political engagement. In effect, the character and norms of the power game changed, especially, in Parliament. The ultra-majoritarian rule, where the Majority party marshals its numerical strength to back the presidents’ policy or program, leaving no space for dialogue, compromise, and consensus-building is no more. The outcome of the elections signifies two things; 1(a) rejection of the practice of blind, unbridled, and excessive partisanship in politics, the winner-take-all option; and (2) blind, partisan opposition and obstruction of government policy. The preference is for the practice of dialogue, coordination, cooperation, consultation, compromise, and consensus-building. The clarion call in our dear nation today, is now Ghana first, everything else second.”
“The lessons of the first session have been learned by us all and we, should all pledge not to see, particularly, a repeat of those violent nasty scenes as well as defend and uphold the image of Parliament. To achieve this, I will, together with my Deputies and leadership, hold members to strict adherence to the rules, ethics, courtesies, and code of conduct of Members of Parliament. We will work to promote disorderly behavior and the use of decent parliamentary language in the deliberations of the House. More efforts will be put into organizing forums and workshops to enlighten members on these rules, norms, and ethics of civil behavior and conduct. Parliament will do all it can to create the environment for a collective effort to educate and inculcate the culture of a democratic society in the country. I reiterate the need for members to constantly refer to the literature and publications of this House on these matters and interact with their constituents on these values and principles of good behavior and conduct.”
Source: Mybrytnewsroom.com/Kofi Atakora
