The Executive Director of the African Center for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), Dr. Rasheed Draman, has expressed concerns about the current majority in Ghana’s Parliament, stating that “The Majority in Parliament appears weak.”
Speaking on Starr Today with host Efia Tutuwaa Danso, Dr. Draman reflected on the performance of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and their approach to parliamentary affairs, particularly in comparison to the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“Well, I mean, it doesn’t need to look like that. That may be a small goat frightening a big lion to some kind of level of submission,” he said.
Dr. Draman highlighted the NDC’s track record during the Eighth Parliament, pointing out their lack of representation in the House for four years. “In the Eighth Parliament, we didn’t have members, we didn’t have a representation in the House for four good years. NDC sat quietly and very timid about this,” he observed.
He contrasted this with the NPP minority’s active resistance in the current Parliament, citing their strong pushback in the Ablekuma North Constituency saga, which led to a suspension of parliamentary proceedings. “We didn’t see the NDC put up the kind of pushback that we are seeing the NPP do in the case of this Ablekuma seat,” Dr. Draman noted.
He further cautioned the NDC about their approach, stating, “The NDC would have to watch it. They might have the numbers, but if they are not careful, they will always be taken by surprise. And this minority, I think, can overpower them in terms of frustrating government business and ensuring that, at the least opportunity, even if they don’t succeed, they can disrupt the parliamentary process.”
Dr. Draman also commented on how the new majority leader might handle the situation:
“This is just his second day as Majority Leader, and this issue is already thrown at him. I’m not sure how much of it he is going to take or how much patience he will have for this. We need a leader who will allow the minority some space but also question certain government actions and policies.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Rita Nsiah
