Ghana's democracy not resilient to withstand prolonged political crisis - Otumfuo calls for an end to parliamentary impasse

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has voiced his concerns over the ongoing political crisis in Ghana’s Parliament, describing it as a significant threat to the nation's stability.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Bagbin, recently rejected the Majority Leader’s request to recall the House after an indefinite adjournment, stating that Parliament would only reconvene after the December 7, 2024 elections.

This decision followed the absence of the New Patriotic Party caucus when the House was recalled on November 7, 2024.

Speaking at the 58th congregation of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasized the need for reconciliation within Parliament.

“When we send men and women to Parliament, we expect them to engage in rigorous debate. But we also expect them to be able to reconcile conflicting opinions. Our legislators cannot thrash the lessons of our history and expect to retain their honour among the people.

“This is the worst time to put our nation through this drama. Our democracy has not developed the resilience which can sustain prolonged political crisis. Our economy is also not in the best shape and whoever wins the upcoming elections is going to have a battle on his hands to rejuvenate the economy,” the Asantehene asserted.

Otumfuo called for a bipartisan approach to resolving the impasse in Parliament.

“Let us invoke the cardinal spirit of reconciliation and return to the path of bipartisan cooperation.”

Despite the Supreme Court overruling Bagbin’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant, citing Article 97(1)(g) of the Ghanaian Constitution, the National Democratic Congress caucus in Parliament maintains they are the Majority.

The Asantehene's call comes a few days ahead of Ghana's crucial 2024 presidential and parliamentary election.

GA

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