Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has issued a stark warning about the fragility of Ghana’s democratic system, emphasizing that the stability of Parliament is crucial to sustaining democracy in the country.
He cautioned that any attempt to undermine the authority of the legislature could lead to the collapse of the democratic process.
Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on Monday, October 14, Afenyo-Markin underscored the vital role Parliament plays in upholding the nation’s democratic institutions. “In this democracy, the only thing that sustains it is Parliament, so we have to be careful not to allow Parliament to break down,” he said. “If Parliament breaks down, that is the end of Ghanaian democracy, and that is what we will protect as NPP.”
His comments come in response to a recent announcement by former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, who stated that his side of the house plans to invoke Article 97(1)(g) of the Constitution. This constitutional provision mandates that an MP must vacate their seat if they leave the party under which they were elected or if they seek to remain in Parliament as an independent candidate.
Article 97 (1) (g) states that: A member of Parliament shall vacate his seat “if he leaves the party of which he was a member at the time of his election to Parliament to join another party or seeks to remain in Parliament as an independent member.”
The Minority intends to use this provision to declare the seats of three Majority MPs and one NDC MP vacant, potentially shifting the balance of power in Parliament.
Afenyo-Markin revealed that he would engage with the Minority Leader to discuss the issue and seek a resolution. However, he warned that individuals allegedly plotting unrest for political advantage risk destabilizing the country’s democratic foundation. “Actions aimed at political gain through instability in Parliament are dangerous and could erode the very fabric of our democratic system,” he cautioned.