Parliament under Oquaye is rather the worst because it protected Akufo-Addo – NDC MP

A Member of Parliament representing the Banda Constituency in the Bono Region Ibrahim Ahmed has described the Eighth Parliament as the best in Ghana’s parliamentary democracy.

He stated that, contrary to First Deputy Speaker Joe Osei Owusu’s claims that this parliament is the worst, the opposite is true.

He posited that data and several ratings have placed Ghana’s parliament as the best and most open we have in Africa.

He has therefore challenged the First Deputy Speaker to speak to the facts and avoid his partisan political description of the House.

Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the Banda MP asserted that he referred to the current parliament as one that has achieved a lot.

He disagreed that the current parliament’s standards have fallen, saying, “I can categorically state that this is the best parliament. Ghana’s Parliament has been named the most open in Africa. Joe Wise is aware. Ghana’s parliament is rated as the best in the world. Joe Wise is aware. What Joe Wise said is best described as political propaganda. His comments are reminiscent of a thief’s foiled attempt to steal from an alert landlord.

Parliament’s role extends beyond the creation of laws. It extends beyond that. We are responsible for overseeing and holding the executive accountable. Since 1991, no parliament has performed this function more than eight times. This current parliament has been more courageous, effective, and has provided proper oversight of the Executive without fear or favour. Isn’t this the same parliament that worked to lower the original percentage of the E-Levy?" he quizzed

He cited the seventh parliament chaired by Prof. Mike Oquaye as the worst in Ghana's history, with several controversies and scandals that hit the government, including the PDS deal, among others.

Ibrahim Ahmed asked Ghanaians to appreciate the Eighth Parliament because it has remained dedicated, committed, and represented the interests of Ghanaians.

"When you do your assessment, you will discover that Ghana’s seventh parliament, led by Prof. Oquaye, was the worst. They failed to represent the interests of Ghanaians. That parliament refused to consider Ghanaians’ interests and instead protected President Akufo-Addo’s. So, if you want us to evaluate all parliaments, that would be the best one because we held the government accountable,” he added.