ACEPA Urges Akufo-Addo, Bagbin, and Torkornoo to Resolve Parliamentary Impasse

The African Center for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) has called for urgent consultations among the heads of Ghana’s three arms of government—President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, and Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo—to resolve the ongoing parliamentary deadlock over the majority caucus status.

The impasse stems from the minority caucus’ continued claim of holding a majority in Parliament, despite a Supreme Court ruling that temporarily halted the Speaker’s decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant. This unresolved dispute has sparked concerns about its potential impact on the stability of Ghana’s democracy.

In an interview with Citi News, Dr. Rasheed Draman, Executive Director of ACEPA, emphasized the gravity of the situation, urging immediate action from Ghana’s top leaders. “It is a very serious matter for our democracy,” Dr. Draman said. “If I could offer any advice, the three branches of government—our President, our Speaker, and our Chief Justice—need to engage in a conversation.”

He further stressed the importance of including parliamentary leadership in these discussions to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order. “This could lead to chaos, and in the worst-case scenario, it could undermine our democracy,” Dr. Draman warned.

Reflecting on the potential consequences, he raised concerns about the military stepping in if the situation worsened. “Can you imagine, for one moment, the military intervening because the parliamentary forum is no longer functioning? That could lead to the usurpation of civilian power, with dire consequences for our nation,” he said.

The parliamentary deadlock, if not resolved swiftly, could have serious implications for governance in Ghana, according to ACEPA, which is urging national leaders to come together to find a peaceful solution to the dispute.