Former Member of Parliament for Mpohor, Alex K. Agyekum, has urged Parliament to guard against growing political tensions and divisions following the recent change in the Majority leadership.
Mr Agyekum cautioned that Parliament must not become a platform for political confrontation, chaos or confusion, particularly amid what he described as divisive commentary on social media targeting the Majority and Minority leaderships.
He said the new Majority Leader, James Agalga, must remain focused on Parliament’s constitutional mandate and avoid distractions from what he described as propaganda aimed at undermining the institution’s dignity and authority.
Mr Agyekum also called on the Speaker and the leadership of Parliament to maintain neutrality and ensure that proceedings are conducted in accordance with the Standing Orders and the Constitution.
He stressed that Parliament’s primary responsibility was to make laws and effectively scrutinise the activities of the Executive, rather than allow political disagreements to undermine its work.
According to him, the need for tolerance and constructive engagement has become even more important as Parliament prepares to consider proposed amendments to the non-entrenched provisions of the Constitution recommended by the Constitution Review Committee.
He noted that the government had already issued its position paper on the recommendations and questioned whether a deeply polarised Parliament could adequately deliberate on such significant constitutional matters.
Mr Agyekum argued that the issues required superior arguments, constructive debate and broad consensus in the national interest.
He therefore challenged Mr Agalga, in his capacity as Leader of Government Business, to work towards building consensus between the Majority and Minority caucuses and ensure that the best options for constitutional amendments receive proper consideration.
He cautioned against allowing Parliament’s business to be dominated by acrimonious exchanges, entrenched positions and boycotts, saying such an approach could undermine the institution’s ability to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
Mr Agyekum further warned that social media narratives suggesting an impending confrontation between the two parliamentary caucuses could be counterproductive.
He urged the leadership of both sides of the House to prioritise the dignity, stability and constitutional responsibilities of Parliament as they navigate the leadership transition.
Mr Agyekum is a former Chairman of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee and a former member of the Public Accounts Committee and Education Committee.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
