Despicable scenes in parliament must not be swept under the carpet – Okudzeto Ablakwa

The Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says perpetrators of the chaos that characterised the election of the speaker for the 8th Parliament of the 4th republic must be brought to book.

During the sitting of Parliament on Thursday, January 7, 2021, the NDC MPs sat at the majority side in the chamber. The MP for Tema West, Carlos Ahenkorah also snatched ballot papers, leading to some chaos and the subsequent invasion of military personnel on the floor.

In a Facebook post, Mr Ablakwa wrote: “There must be soul searching and far-reaching consequences for the despicable scenes in Parliament over the last few hours. Nothing must be swept under the red carpet of the hallowed chamber when that time comes. Those who viciously assault our democracy must know there’s a heavy price to pay”.

“For now, the epic victory of Ghana’s most decorated legislator, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin as the first Speaker of the House from a different party of the sitting President must be well and truly celebrated for the great prospect it holds for our democracy and parliamentary oversight," he added.

“Coupled with the equal numerical strength of the two leading parties (at least for now), it can be expected that the era where the executive railroads and makes the legislature its appendage will be a relic of the past”, he further stated.

Mr Ablakwa also called on his colleagues to put the national interest above their personal motives, “As I greatly commend my resilient NDC colleagues and our quietly courageous allies in the NPP who all fought hard to make this historic moment possible, let us remember it is not about our personal egos – it is all about the supreme national interest. The celebrations must now give way for the actual work to begin”.

Read the full statement below: