Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has made a heartfelt appeal to Members of Parliament (MPs) and political actors to exercise caution and responsibility in their public utterances as the December 7, 2024, general elections draw near.
He emphasized the need to move away from harmful political tactics that could undermine the country’s democracy.
In his opening remarks during the resumption of the fifth sitting of Parliament on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, Afenyo-Markin condemned the use of divisive and damaging strategies, including name-calling, defamation, and tribalism, which often escalate during election periods.
He said, “As we are celebrating 30 years of uninterrupted parliamentary democracy, it is high time we eschewed these unhealthy political habits and make issue and fact-based messages the focal point of our political campaigns,” he stated.
The Majority Leader further called on all political actors, within and outside Parliament, to be guided by their words and ensure that their statements do not inflame tensions or erode trust in democratic institutions.
Afenyo-Markin also emphasized the importance of trusting state institutions, particularly as the country heads into a crucial election period. He urged MPs to have faith in entities such as the Electoral Commission (EC), which is responsible for conducting impartial and fair elections.
“Mr Speaker, we must learn to have faith and repose trust in State Agencies and entities, especially so when their functions are critical to the peace and stability of the country,” he said.
Parliament, he said, has engaged with the EC on multiple occasions and will continue to do so to address any concerns regarding the upcoming elections.
While acknowledging that demonstrations are constitutionally protected, Afenyo-Markin cautioned that the current atmosphere may not be conducive to such actions.
He urged political leaders to instead use the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) platform to express their concerns.
“I urge political actors, leaders, and all key stakeholders to use the IPAC platform to register their concerns… Let us not conduct ourselves in a way that erodes trust and confidence in public institutions,” he advised.
The Majority Leader outlined several critical bills before Parliament that require urgent attention before the House adjourns for the elections.
These include the Environmental Protection Agency Bill, 2024; Social Protection Bill, 2023; Customs (Amendment) Bill, 2024; Budget Bill, 2023; Ghana Boundary Commission Bill, 2023; and the Intestate Succession Bill, 2022.
He stressed that the meeting is short but with a tall Agenda, as general elections round the corner.
Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, in his remarks, lamented that Ghana is under a plague of unprecedented spate of illegal mining (galamsey).
He painted a grim picture of Ghana’s environment, expressing concern over the destruction of farmlands, rivers, and forests due to illegal mining activities.
He lamented the widespread damage, stating that Ghana, once known for its natural beauty and mineral wealth, is becoming unrecognizable.
“Our beautiful country, once called the Gold Coast to underscore the rich mineral deposits God has bestowed on us, is fast becoming a pale shadow of itself,” Forson remarked.
The Minority leader urged Parliament to take immediate action and put pressure on the government to address the illegal mining crisis.
He warned that the consequences of inaction could be disastrous for future generations.
He declared, “To do nothing is no longer an option. This House must rise to the occasion and bring the necessary pressure to bear on the government to act.”