John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, has expressed deep concerns about Ghana’s deepening political crisis, citing the recent expulsion of four Members of Parliament by Speaker Alban Bagbin and the Supreme Court’s stay of his ruling, which led to Parliament’s indefinite adjournment on October 22.
Speaking at the 80th anniversary celebration of the St. Joseph the Worker Anglican Church in Accra on Sunday, October 27, Mahama praised Bagbin’s mature handling of the tense situation in Parliament.
However, he emphasized the urgency of revisiting Ghana’s constitution to prevent similar conflicts in the future.
Mahama’s concerns are rooted in the country’s democratic gains over the past three decades. Ghana has made significant progress since transitioning from military rule to democracy in 1992, hosting eight free and fair multi-party elections. The Electoral Commission has played a crucial role in managing the electoral process.
Despite these gains, Ghana’s democracy faces challenges. The country’s institutions, such as the executive and legislature, have fractures that need to be addressed.
For instance, the 1992 Constitution empowers the President to select most ministers from Parliament, undermining the legislature’s independence and oversight role.
The recent crisis in Parliament has brought to the fore the need for constitutional reforms. The expulsion of the four MPs and the subsequent stay of the Speaker’s ruling by the Supreme Court have raised concerns about the separation of powers and the potential for conflicts between the judiciary and the legislature.
Mahama’s call to revise the constitution and plug loopholes highlights the need for a more robust governance structure. This would help address Ghana’s evolving challenges and prevent future conflicts.
The constitution has served the country well, but it is not immune to flaws and ambiguities that can be exploited for political gain.
By revisiting the constitution, Ghana can solidify its democratic foundations and continue to serve as a beacon of stability in the region.
This process would require a national conversation, involving stakeholders from various sectors, to identify areas that require reform and propose amendments.
Some key areas that require attention include electoral reforms, legislative independence, judicial independence, accountability, and transparency.
Strengthening the Electoral Commission and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process would help prevent disputes and enhance the credibility of elections.
Amending the constitution to reduce presidential influence over Parliament would also enhance the legislature’s independence and oversight role. Ensuring the judiciary remains impartial and effective in resolving disputes would further strengthen the rule of law.
Ultimately, Ghana’s democracy requires a collective effort to strengthen its institutions and address its challenges. Mahama’s call to action serves as a reminder that the country’s progress is not irreversible and that continued vigilance and commitment are necessary to consolidate its democratic gains.
As Ghana navigates this critical juncture, it is essential to prioritize national interest over partisan considerations.
The country’s leaders must demonstrate the willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards constitutional reforms that would benefit all Ghanaians.
In Mahama’s words, “We need to reset, we need to restart, we need to look at our constitution again, we need to revise it and plug the loopholes and make it clearer so that in future we don’t have the kinds of issues that we have.” This sentiment resonates with many Ghanaians who aspire to see their country continue on the path of democratic progress and stability.
