Member of Parliament for Assin Central Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has warned that unless extreme partisanship in Ghanaian politics, especially in Parliament, is eliminated, the country risks facing worse consequences by 2025.
He stressed the dangers of growing divisions and how this could lead to unimaginable violence, appealing for more unity and cooperation among all political actors.
Addressing the media on Thursday, November 6 after the Speaker adjourned the House Sine Die following the failure of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus to show up in the parliamentary chamber.
Readers would recall the NPP side triggered a recall of the House after garnering signatures to compel the Speaker to reconvene the House.
Kennedy Agyapong stressed that the stakes are high because such divisions and extreme partisanship could impact the lives of every citizen.
He voiced concerns about the economy and employment, noting the closure of businesses nationwide due to fears of political instability.
“Do we need 600 businesses to shut down because of someone’s power ambitions,” he quizzed rhetorically.
Agyapong emphasized the importance of preserving peace in Ghana and reflected on his experiences in conflict zones stating, “I’ve been to war-torn countries. I know the suffering there. We have nowhere else to go; only Ghana.”
He pledged his commitment to working towards a stable Ghana, regardless of political party interests, and urged politicians, media, and citizens alike to prioritize national interest over party affiliations.
“Let us all love this country,” he said, appealing for a nonpartisan approach to governance.
In a direct appeal to the media, Kennedy Agyapong urged responsible journalism over political bias, reminding the media that they are the mouthpiece of the state.
“If you do your work right, it benefits Ghana, but if you choose to politicize everything, it won’t help us move forward,” he stated.
Addressing the events of the day, the Assin Central MP clarified that the NPP caucus had no intentions of boycotting the session but had hoped to engage the Speaker and the Minority before resuming ensuring a productive discourse.
“We decided to meet with the Speaker and the NDC members. Unfortunately, by the time we were ready, the session had already started.”
“This was not a walkout or a protest. We needed to consult first,” he stated.
Despite the setback, Ken Agyapong clarified that the NPP intended to foster communication, not conflict, and hopes future interactions can reflect a cooperative spirit.