Agyarko's Death: MPs speak on bye-election

As the nation mourns the loss of Mr Emmanuel Kyeremanteng Agyarko, the late MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, there are suggestions within Parliament to forgo a bye-election to elect a new MP.

Rather, the party which lost a representative in the August House should make a replacement to finish the remaining of the four year-term.

Consequently Ras Mubarak, MP for Kumbungu Constituency, has urged all the political parties not to 'put up' a candidate for the Ayawaso Wuogon vacant seat following the death of Agyarko.

Per the country's constitution, the Electoral Commission must organise a bye-election anytime a seat becomes vacant in Parliament.

Commiserating on the loss of the former colleague, Ras Mubarak grieved at the loss of Mr Agyarko who he described as very friendly, and whose demise is a great loss, not only to the family, but also to the governing New Patriotic Party, the House and the nation as a whole.

Ras Mubarak extended his 'heartfelt condolence' to all affected by the loss.

In connection with the bye-election, Ras Mubarak recalled that, the political party on whose ticket he is in Parliament, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) decided not to contest the Abuakwa North Constituency bye- election after the death of the late J B Danquah-Adu, former MP for Abuakwa North Constituency.

The NDC indicated then that it shared in the grief and trauma of the late Member of Parliament’s family, constituents and, indeed, the nation and, therefore it would it be insensitive and unsympathetic on the part of the NDC leadership and followers to actively participate in such bye-election.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Parliament, House, Accra, Ras Mubarak said: “I do not think the NDC or any other party should put up a candidate for Hon. Emmanuel Kyeremanteng Agyarko‘s vacant seat.

“We should have a convention or agreement amongst ourselves that if a sitting MP dies, the party from which he was an MP should select a candidate to serve his remaining term. It saves the country and the parties resources. Democracy can be made less expensive. It all depends on us. “

The Legislator added that the cost of organizing primaries by the affected party and other parties and the budget of the Electoral Commission for the bye election can be expended on improving social amenities and infrastructure for deprived communities.

“You know, our interest is, and must be to serve the people first,” Ras Mubarak said, adding further that the wrangling for power after an untimely exit of an MP makes it as if the death had been wished already.

“We must consider the emotions and feelings of the bereaved family as well,” Ras Mubarak said.

Other MPS on both Sides of the divide including Mr Carlos Ahenkorah, MP for Tema West; Alhaji Boniface Abubakr Sadique, Minister of State at the Office of the Vice President and a former Minister for Inner Cities and Zongo Development; and MP for Madina Constituency; Madam Dela Sowah, MP for Kpando;, Madam Joyce Adwoa Akoh Dei, MP or Bosome Freho agreed to the proposal and suggested it should be part of the reviews of the constitution.