I keep wondering what to expect from the 9th Parliament – Dr. Osae Kwapong

A research fellow at CDD-Ghana, Dr. John Osae Kwapong, has expressed concern over the divisions between the minority and majority sides in Parliament.

According to him, the Ninth Parliament risks continuing the tensions that characterised the Eighth Parliament.

Speaking in an interview on Joy News, monitored by GhanaWeb on Monday, March 3, 2025, he cautioned the minority caucus in Parliament against disruptive actions.

"I keep wondering what to expect from the Ninth Parliament. I keep wondering whether there is still a spillover effect from the way things went in the Eighth Parliament. I used to think the Eighth Parliament was a reflection of how closely divided Parliament was.

"And this is even before other substantive matters come before the House, like the budget. From a governance perspective, I fear it will be a continuation of the majority having the numbers and, therefore, choosing not to engage the minority. For me, that wouldn't be helpful because, no matter what, the input of the minority is still needed in government business," he lamented.

Dr. Osae Kwapong emphasised the need for constructive dialogue between the two caucuses.

"Some way, somehow, the leadership of both caucuses really needs to sit down, have an honest conversation, and bring their individual caucuses along because we can't afford to let this drag on throughout the entire life of the Ninth Parliament," he added.

His comments follow the boycott of a three-day orientation workshop for MPs by New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmakers.

JKB/MA

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