The African Center for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) has called for an urgent consultation between the leaders of Ghana’s three arms of government—President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Speaker Alban Bagbin, and Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo—to resolve the ongoing dispute over which caucus holds the majority in Parliament.
This appeal follows the minority caucus’s continued claim to the majority, despite a Supreme Court ruling that suspended the Speaker’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant.
In an interview with Citi News, ACEPA’s Executive Director, Dr. Rasheed Draman, expressed concern that the current parliamentary deadlock could threaten Ghana’s democratic stability.
“It’s a very serious issue for our democracy. If I could offer advice, I would suggest that the three branches of government—our president, our speaker, and our Chief Justice—need to engage in a conversation,” Dr. Draman said.
He further emphasized the need for parliamentary leadership to be included in the discussions to prevent potential chaos, warning that the impasse could lead to a breakdown in law and order.
“Can you imagine the military stepping in to resolve the situation, saying that Parliament is no longer functioning? That could lead to the usurpation of civilian power and bring with it serious consequences for our democracy,” he cautioned.