The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has described the recent expulsion of four Members of Parliament by Speaker Alban Bagbin as a troubling reflection of Ghana’s deepening political crisis.
In his view, this event signals a larger issue within the country’s democratic landscape, raising questions about governance and the balance of powers among Ghana’s governmental institutions.
Mahama voiced his concerns regarding Ghana’s democratic stability, particularly following the Supreme Court’s recent decision to stay Speaker Bagbin’s ruling. This judicial intervention led to the indefinite adjournment of Parliament on Tuesday, October 22. In Mahama’s perspective, these developments underscore an urgent need to reassess the country’s political framework to prevent future conflicts between the judiciary and legislative branches. He described the situation as a near “constitutional crisis,” one that required careful management to avoid exacerbating tensions.
Speaking at the 80th anniversary celebration of the St. Joseph the Worker Anglican Church in Accra on Sunday, October 27, Mahama expressed admiration for Speaker Bagbin’s measured approach in handling the unfolding situation. He commended Bagbin’s decision to suspend the House, a move that Mahama believes helped defuse what could have escalated into a significant clash between Ghana’s legislative and judicial branches. Such restraint, he suggested, illustrates a commendable level of leadership during a precarious time for Ghana’s democratic institutions.
Mahama’s remarks went beyond the immediate crisis, as he outlined a call for structural change within Ghana’s governance framework. He emphasized the need for a thorough review of Ghana’s constitution, advocating for revisions that would address current loopholes and strengthen the resilience of the country’s political system. In his view, Ghana’s constitution requires a fresh look to align with the evolving challenges of modern governance and to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.
“Recently, you saw what happened in Parliament. We almost had a constitutional crisis. But for the mature handling of the Speaker in suspending the House, there could have been a clash between the judiciary and our Parliament. And so our government is in crisis,” Mahama remarked. He continued by stressing the importance of a constitutional overhaul, noting that such a revision is necessary not only to resolve current tensions but to prevent similar crises going forward. “We need to reset, we need to restart, we need to look at our constitution again, we need to revise it and plug the loopholes and make it clearer so that in future we don’t have the kinds of issues that we have. Our attitudes are in crisis,” Mahama added, highlighting the broader challenges facing Ghana’s political landscape.
Mahama’s comments reflect a broader concern about the direction of Ghana’s governance, as he pointed to an underlying need for reform within the country’s political and legal structures. For Mahama, the recent conflict serves as a wake-up call for addressing the complexities within Ghana’s political environment, where conflicting institutional interests have the potential to disrupt governance and hinder the country’s democratic progress.
Through his appeal for constitutional reform, Mahama envisions a governance system better suited to manage Ghana’s modern challenges. His emphasis on a “reset” points to the necessity of adapting Ghana’s democratic framework to ensure stability and prevent future crises. Mahama’s statements resonate with his broader commitment to fostering a governance model that not only respects but strengthens the country’s democratic principles while safeguarding against institutional discord.
The former president’s remarks highlight the pressing need for Ghana’s political leaders and citizens alike to engage in a thoughtful dialogue about the country’s constitutional and governance structure. By addressing the structural weaknesses within Ghana’s political landscape, Mahama believes that the nation can build a more resilient democracy, capable of handling future challenges with clarity and unity. His call for constitutional reform underlines a commitment to ensuring that Ghana’s political institutions remain robust, transparent, and aligned with the values of its people, thereby fostering a stable and forward-looking democracy.
