The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has reaffirmed the Minority Caucus’s resolve to occupy the majority position in Parliament despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that temporarily stayed the execution of the Speaker’s declaration, which had rendered four parliamentary seats vacant.
Sam George’s declaration was made during a National Democratic Congress (NDC) victory walk in the North Tongu constituency, where he emphasized the party’s commitment to overcoming judicial obstacles and defending the will of the people.
Speaking at the event, Sam George was highly critical of the judiciary, accusing it of political bias and interference. He expressed concern over the increasing politicization of judicial decisions, particularly those affecting the balance of power in Parliament. The ruling that stayed the Speaker’s declaration on the vacant seats was cited as an example of how political interests are undermining judicial independence.
Sam George did not mince words in his criticism, stating, “Take this recording to the Chief Justice that I said, I am now the vice chairman of the select committee on communication because I am part of the majority. Tell the judiciary that enough of the politics in our judiciary.”
He further asserted that the Supreme Court, in his view, was becoming an extension of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) rather than functioning as an independent judicial body. “The Supreme Court is a judicial wing, not an extension of the NPP headquarters,” he said. According to Sam George, the people of Ghana are growing increasingly frustrated with what he describes as politically motivated decisions from the judiciary. He called on his parliamentary colleagues to stand firm in defending the integrity of Parliament and the will of the electorate.
“As a parliamentary caucus, we will stand up to defend the will of the people and defend their integrity and independence of parliament,” Sam George declared. He emphasized that this fight was not just for the immediate moment, but a long-term effort that would continue until the NDC’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, is sworn in as President on January 7, 2025.
Sam George stressed that for John Mahama to succeed as president, he would need a strong and reliable parliament behind him. “This defence is not going to only end on Tuesday. It starts from Tuesday till John Mahama is sworn in on January 7, 2025, and John Mahama needs a solid parliament. He needs men he can rely on,” Sam George stated.
He went on to emphasize the importance of having dedicated and hardworking parliamentarians in the NDC caucus. Citing the example of Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the MP for North Tongu, Sam George praised him as one of the most diligent members of Parliament. “In parliament today, 275 MPs, if you want to count even five doing their job, your MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is one of them,” Sam George said, addressing the people of North Tongu.
He also relayed a message from John Mahama, who had recently visited the Ningo Prampram constituency, expressing Mahama’s need for loyal and effective parliamentarians to support him in delivering on the promises made to the Ghanaian people. “Two days ago, he was in my constituency, and he told the people of Ningo Prampram that he needs parliamentarians. He needs them to vote for their MP and that is what I can tell you,” Sam George said.
The Ningo Prampram MP underscored the crucial role that a strong parliamentary majority would play in enabling Mahama to deliver on his policies and programs once elected. “President Mahama needs a solid parliament. For President Mahama to be able to deliver their jobs, for President Mahama to be able to deliver on all the promises we have told you, he needs to have a solid parliament. He needs people like Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa standing behind him in parliament,” Sam George emphasized.
In a heartfelt appeal to the people of North Tongu, Sam George thanked them for their continued support of Ablakwa and urged them to ensure his re-election to Parliament. “So my brothers and sisters of North Tongu, on behalf of the NDC parliamentary caucus, we say thank you for giving us Ablakwa. We ask you to bring him back for us,” he stated.
The NDC’s focus on building a strong parliamentary majority is seen as a crucial strategy for the party’s success in the 2024 elections. With the judiciary’s recent decisions creating uncertainty around the composition of Parliament, Sam George’s remarks highlight the determination of the NDC to push back against what they see as judicial overreach and to ensure that the will of the people is respected.
As the NDC prepares for the 2024 elections, the party’s leadership has made it clear that a strong and united parliamentary caucus will be key to supporting John Mahama’s presidency. Sam George’s message to the people of North Tongu and his broader comments on the judiciary and parliamentary majority reflect the party’s focus on consolidating its power within Parliament and ensuring that the NDC is well-positioned to govern effectively should they win the 2024 elections.
