Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has issued a stern warning to Ghanaian leaders, drawing attention to recent events in Kenya as a crucial lesson ahead of the upcoming December 7 elections.
The Kenyan government recently faced significant protests, particularly from young people, resulting in the withdrawal of a contentious financial bill aimed at increasing revenue. The protests included an incident where the parliament was attacked, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Speaker Bagbin highlighted parallels between the Kenyan context and Ghana’s political landscape, urging all leaders, especially Members of Parliament, to prioritize the principles of free, fair, and transparent elections.
In a proactive move to ensure a peaceful electoral process, Bagbin has initiated discussions with key stakeholders. This includes engaging with the Electoral Commission and the National Commission for Civic Education, as well as seeking the counsel of traditional authorities and the Chief Justice.
Additionally, Bagbin intends to hold discussions with President Akufo-Addo to underscore the critical need for violence-free elections in Ghana.
Speaking to journalists in Kumasi, Bagbin emphasized the necessity of preemptive measures to safeguard Ghana’s democracy ahead of the 2024 elections. He stressed the importance of vigilance and proactive steps to forestall any potential unrest or electoral irregularities.
“People often take things for granted, including my fellow Parliamentarians. However, the events unfolding in Kenya and Tanzania should serve as a wake-up call for us in Ghana. We must take preemptive actions to prevent such occurrences. Our goal is to ensure that the rightful leader chosen by Ghanaians assumes office without any ambiguity,” Bagbin asserted.
He reassured the public that his actions would be guided by the principles of impartiality and non-partisanship to uphold the integrity of the electoral process in Ghana.