As Ghana approaches the final days of the 8th Parliament, Martin A. B. K. Amidu is urging citizens to remain alert and watchful.
“We, the people, have spoken,” he said in a recent statement, referring to the overwhelming electoral victory that ushered in the President-elect and a significant majority in Parliament. Amidu emphasized that the days leading up to the 7th of January, 2025, when the 9th Parliament officially begins its term, must be closely monitored.
“Though the current Parliament is about to dissolve, it can still make binding decisions. The people must not let their guard down,” Amidu warned.
He expressed his disappointment in the current body of lawmakers, noting that it had rendered itself an “eyesore” during its tenure, especially in light of contentious actions such as the 2021 Budget debacle and the controversial E-Levy.
Amidu pointed out the growing dissatisfaction among the electorate, underscoring the message sent by the 2024 elections.
“The massive electoral victory of the President-elect, along with the sizable majority of Members of Parliament, reflects the people’s withdrawal of trust in the current administration,” he remarked.
He expressed concern that the outgoing President and his government might take “vengeful actions” during the final days of their term, attempting to frustrate the will of the people. “We’ve seen it before in other countries. Just like President Joe Biden is making moves to put obstacles in Donald Trump’s path, we might see similar tactics here,” Amidu added.
The specter of parliamentary corruption, according to Amidu, looms large over the remainder of the current term.
He urged Ghanaians to keep a close watch on the actions of MPs, especially as they reconvene on December 16, 2024. “There have been too many compromises, too many deals made at the expense of the public,” he said, referencing key moments in Parliament’s history, such as the debate over the 2021 Budget.
As the Speaker of Parliament prepares to seat the four MPs whose legal battles over their status have dragged on, Amidu expressed his concerns about the role the judiciary played in these proceedings.
“I’ve said it before, the Chief Justice’s involvement in these matters has been questionable,” he stated. “The Supreme Court’s decisions have been controversial, and yet they are binding until overturned. This creates an unsettling situation for our democracy.”
Drawing on the experience of Tsatsu Tsikata, who was wrongfully convicted but later acquitted, Amidu cautioned against political pressures influencing judicial outcomes.
“In a democracy, the law must prevail, not the whims of those in power,” Amidu declared. “We must not let political manoeuvring define the future of this country. This is not just about the 8th Parliament or this government. It’s about the future of Ghana.”
Looking ahead, Amidu called on citizens to be vigilant and take an active role in preserving the integrity of Ghana’s democratic processes.
“The 7th December elections have revealed a new Ghanaian electorate, one that understands its role and power in shaping the future,” he said. “We must keep this momentum going. We must stay alert to every action of the 8th Parliament between now and January 2025.”
