Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has expressed deep concerns about the current tone and nature of parliamentary debates, describing them as unlike anything he has witnessed in his decades-long political career.
During a recent parliamentary sitting, Bagbin, who has been a part of Ghana’s legislative body since 1993, pointed out that the level of discourse has taken a troubling turn.
He warned that if the growing political divisions and heated exchanges continue unchecked, they could have serious consequences for the institution of Parliament, potentially eroding its independence.
He cautioned that extreme partisanship and political fragmentation could weaken the role of Parliament, making it vulnerable to undue influence from the executive or judiciary.
He stressed the need for lawmakers to adopt a more measured approach in their engagements, warning that failure to resolve internal conflicts could diminish public trust in the legislative arm of government.
The Speaker urged MPs to tone down their rhetoric and embrace constructive debate, emphasizing that the current trajectory of discussions could undermine Parliament’s authority.
He called on political leaders to reflect on the potential repercussions of their actions, noting that the credibility of the institution was at stake.
His remarks have sparked widespread reactions, with Ghanaians expressing mixed opinions on the state of the country’s legislative discussions.
Some have echoed his concerns, agreeing that the rising political tensions in Parliament could hinder national progress, while others believe that robust debate is necessary for a functioning democracy.
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether Parliament will take steps to address these concerns and foster a more collaborative environment.
