The Majority in Parliament has leveled accusations against Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), alleging that his actions have been influencing the Minority Caucus to obstruct parliamentary business.
This claim arises amidst growing tensions over recent directives from Asiedu Nketiah, urging NDC Members of Parliament to boycott any emergency recalls of Parliament. According to him, such sessions are often used to serve corrupt agendas, an assertion that has sparked sharp reactions from the Majority.
Alex Tetteh Djornobuah, the Second Deputy Majority Whip, expressed his displeasure over what he described as unwarranted interference by the NDC Chairman. Speaking on the matter, he criticized Asiedu Nketiah’s approach as detrimental to the smooth functioning of Parliament, emphasizing the adverse effects on legislative processes.
“I disagree with the National Chairman of the NDC,” Djornobuah stated. “If you will recall, about two or three weeks ago, what happened in Parliament was not the fault of the Members of Parliament. It was the control of the [NDC] National Chairman because we have witnessed this on several occasions when we are trying to cover business in Parliament.”
Djornobuah went on to question the credibility of the NDC’s claim as a viable alternative for governance, citing Asiedu Nketiah’s actions as counterproductive to the democratic process. “And if the NDC National Chairman, who is claiming that they are the next alternative to rule the country, and this is what he is putting out, I don’t think Ghanaians should actually hear this,” he added.
The directive issued by Asiedu Nketiah, which called for NDC MPs to abstain from emergency parliamentary sessions, has been met with resistance from the Majority. The Speaker of Parliament, in his capacity as the head of the legislative arm, holds the authority to recall Members of Parliament to deliberate on pressing issues. The Majority maintains that such sessions are crucial for addressing the needs of Ghanaians, insisting that all MPs should participate in these sittings.
“We have a business to do for Ghanaians, and the Speaker, in his own wisdom, will recall Members of Parliament to come to transact business for Ghanaians. We, the Majority side, will come,” Djornobuah affirmed, stressing the Majority’s commitment to fulfilling their legislative responsibilities.
The allegations of interference come at a time when parliamentary proceedings have become increasingly polarized, with both sides accusing each other of undermining the democratic process. The Majority believes that the NDC’s tactics are not only disruptive but also damaging to the reputation of the legislative body.
Observers note that the growing divide between the two sides is reflective of broader political tensions in Ghana, particularly as the country prepares for the 2024 general elections. The accusations against Asiedu Nketiah are part of a series of confrontations between the Majority and Minority in Parliament, raising concerns about the ability of lawmakers to work together effectively.
Despite the accusations, the NDC has defended its stance, arguing that the actions of the Majority often lack transparency and are driven by partisan interests. Asiedu Nketiah, in particular, has been vocal about what he perceives as the misuse of parliamentary sessions to further questionable agendas, a claim the Majority has vehemently denied.
As the situation unfolds, Ghanaians are watching closely to see how these developments will impact the legislative process and the broader political landscape. Both sides have been urged by civil society groups to put aside partisan differences and focus on addressing the pressing issues facing the country.
The ongoing dispute highlights the need for a more collaborative approach to governance, with many calling on the Speaker of Parliament to mediate between the two factions to ensure that the business of Parliament is conducted without unnecessary disruptions. Whether such mediation will succeed in bridging the divide remains to be seen, but the stakes are high as the nation looks to its leaders for solutions to pressing challenges.
For now, the Majority remains steadfast in its criticism of Asiedu Nketiah’s actions, reiterating their commitment to upholding the integrity of parliamentary proceedings. Meanwhile, the NDC continues to defend its position, setting the stage for further debates and potential clashes in the weeks ahead. The implications of these developments could extend beyond Parliament, influencing public perceptions and shaping the political narrative in the lead-up to the next election.
