Member of Parliament for Offinso North, Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, has strongly defended the actions of the Minority Caucus in Parliament, stating that their efforts are not obstructive but rather essential to ensuring a strong and accountable National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.
He emphasized that the Minority’s role is to safeguard the interests of the Ghanaian people while supporting the smooth governance of the country.
According to Dr. Asamoah, the Minority has been instrumental in working with President John Mahama’s administration while simultaneously ensuring that government policies and appointments serve the best interests of Ghanaians. He stressed that the Minority’s actions should not be seen as an attempt to frustrate the government but rather as a means to promote transparency, good governance, and accountability.
His remarks come at a time when the political atmosphere has been tense, following the recent suspension of four Members of Parliament by Speaker Alban Bagbin. These suspensions were linked to disruptions during the vetting of ministerial nominees, an event that has sparked intense debate regarding the conduct of parliamentary proceedings and the necessity of the Minority’s role in scrutinizing executive appointments.
Dr. Asamoah, speaking in an interview with Channel One News, highlighted the Minority’s dedication to upholding democratic principles. He stated that the vetting process is a crucial step in ensuring that only qualified and competent individuals are appointed to serve in key government positions, adding that their rigorous approach is aimed at strengthening the country’s institutions.
**“It would be wrong to say the Minority is being destructive. In fact, we are being constructive. The Minority Caucus in Parliament has been magnanimous to the NDC government and has supported all that they are doing. But we also have to look out for the Ghanaian people, and we cannot allow them to be bullied.
“If the Minority is bullied, then it means the Ghanaian people are bullied, and I don’t think that’s fair. We are vetting nominees to help the government ensure that President Mahama has the right people to support his administration. We are here to make sure the NDC succeeds, because if the NDC succeeds, the Ghanaian people will benefit,”** he stated.
Dr. Asamoah further noted that the Minority’s role in Parliament extends far beyond vetting nominees. He explained that their active participation in legislative debates, policy reviews, and oversight functions is aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that governance remains people-centered. He dismissed claims that the Minority is deliberately trying to obstruct the government’s work, insisting that their role is necessary for democratic checks and balances.
The Offinso North MP reiterated that accountability is the cornerstone of governance, and the Minority will continue to demand transparency in all governmental dealings. He emphasized that the opposition plays a critical role in holding the government accountable, ensuring that the executive arm of government remains responsive to the needs of the people. He pointed out that without a strong and responsible opposition, democracy could be undermined, and governance could become one-sided.
Despite the recent controversies, Dr. Asamoah remains optimistic that the Majority and Minority Caucuses can work together in a manner that enhances legislative efficiency and national unity. He urged all political stakeholders to appreciate the importance of the Minority’s role in upholding democratic principles, rather than viewing their actions as mere obstructionism.
He also expressed concerns over the increasing polarization of Ghana’s political landscape, cautioning that excessive partisanship could hinder national progress. He called for a spirit of cooperation in Parliament, where both the Majority and Minority can work in the best interests of the Ghanaian people, rather than allowing political differences to create unnecessary divisions.
Dr. Asamoah used the opportunity to call on the leadership of Parliament to promote a culture of mutual respect and constructive dialogue. He noted that for Ghana’s democracy to thrive, there must be an environment where divergent views are tolerated and healthy debates are encouraged. He argued that Parliament should not be reduced to a battlefield where opposing sides seek to undermine each other, but rather, a platform where policies and decisions are scrutinized to benefit the citizenry.
He further highlighted the Minority’s role in influencing policy direction, stating that many government programs and initiatives have been improved due to critical scrutiny and alternative proposals presented by the opposition. He noted that the Minority’s involvement in shaping policies is evidence that their actions are meant to enhance governance, not disrupt it.
As part of his call for transparency, Dr. Asamoah urged the government to adopt an open-door policy where constructive criticism is welcomed, rather than dismissed as opposition rhetoric. He argued that governance should be a collective effort, where all voices, regardless of political affiliation, are heard and considered in decision-making processes.
Dr. Asamoah concluded by reaffirming the Minority’s unwavering commitment to constructive engagement in parliamentary proceedings. He assured Ghanaians that the Minority will continue to play its role in holding the government accountable while ensuring that national progress remains a priority. He emphasized that their ultimate goal is not to oppose for the sake of opposition, but to contribute meaningfully to governance in a way that benefits all citizens.
In his final remarks, the Offinso North MP called on the Ghanaian public to support the work of Parliament and to remain engaged in national discourse. He encouraged citizens to be informed about government decisions, actively participate in governance, and hold their leaders accountable. He stressed that a vibrant democracy requires active citizen involvement, and he believes that with the collective effort of both the government and the people, Ghana can achieve sustainable development and prosperity.
