MPs must stop intimidating Ghanaians - Dr. Amoako Baah

A political scientist and lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr. Richard Amoako has stated that any parliamentarian who would demand for evidence from Prof. Stephen Adei over his alleged corruption allegation would be dishonest.

Prof. Stephen Adei last weekend alleged that eight out of every ten politicians are corrupt including MP's, the former rector accused the legislators of taking bribe before approving bills and laws and further go to the extent of taking some for their girlfriends.

Meanwhile, speaking with Kwame Tutu host of Frontline on Rainbow Radio, the political science lecturer indicated that, parliamentarians cannot in any way ‘gag’ Ghanaians for speaking their minds on issues because they do not have the sole power to be dragging Ghanaians before them.

According to Dr. Amoako Baah, parliamentarians can only summon government appointees to appear before them if they made those allegations.

He explained that the tenants of our democracy would be defeated, if parliamentarians keep intimidating Ghanaians over opinions they make.

Dr. Amoako Baah opined that, the focus of members of parliament should rather be on measures they would apply in dealing with the issue of corruption to save their dented image.

He stressed that the legislators should rather be the sole protector of democracy by providing support to Ghanaians who show interest in fighting corruption rather than putting fear in them.

"It is unnecessary for the parliamentarians to drag the former rector before them, but am sure when they call him he would shame them," he posited.

Dr. Amoako Baah said the Constitution of the Republic allows Ghanaians the opportunity to express their opinions on issues without fear or favour and the intimidation when people express themselves must stop because it is unfair, unfortunate and an infringement on the right of Ghanaians.

Dr. Amoako Baah said if an allegation is made against you and you know you are not corrupt, then under no circumstance should you even respond to the issue.

He advised that if parliamentarians insist on inviting Prof. Stephen Adei, then they should first invite Majority Leader Alban Bagbin, PC Appiah Ofori and other MPs who made similar allegations.