The African Center for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) has called for an immediate consultation between the leaders of Ghana’s three arms of government—President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Speaker Alban Bagbin, and Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo—to address the ongoing dispute over which caucus holds the majority in Parliament.
This call comes as the minority caucus continues to claim the majority, despite a Supreme Court ruling that stayed the execution of the Speaker’s decision declaring four parliamentary seats vacant.
In an interview with Citi News, ACEPA’s Executive Director, Dr Rasheed Draman, expressed concern that the current parliamentary impasse could undermine Ghana’s democracy.
“It is a very serious matter for our democracy. And I think that if I could offer any advice, the three branches of government, our president, our speaker, and our Chief Justice, would have to have a conversation.
“Perhaps that includes the leadership of parliament so that we avoid any chaotic situation because this could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
“It could lead to the breakdown of our democracy. Can you imagine, for one moment, the military getting in and saying that we have to resolve our differences, which is parliament because that forum is not working anymore?
“There is a breakdown of that forum. What it could do? It could lead to the usurpation of civilian power and all the consequences that could follow.”