Professor Ransford Gyampo, a political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, has criticized members of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) for their reaction after Speaker Alban Bagbin declared four parliamentary seats vacant.
He pointed out that the NPP had previously supported similar actions under former Speaker Prof. Mike Aaron Oquaye and questioned why they are now upset with Speaker Bagbin’s decision.
In an interview with the media, Prof. Gyampo argued that the NPP is now facing the consequences of a precedent they themselves set. He emphasized that when political actors choose to ignore the right course of action for short-term political gains, it often backfires in the long run.
He noted that the NPP could have prevented former Speaker Oquaye’s interpretation of similar issues but did not, as it was politically advantageous to them at the time.
Prof. Gyampo urged politicians to always uphold what is right, as their actions have future consequences. He explained that Speaker Bagbin’s decision was based on Article 97(h)(g) of the 1992 Constitution, which allows for the declaration of seats vacant when MPs switch parties.
The MPs affected in this case were from Fomena, Agona West, Suhum, and Amenfi Central constituencies, who had left their original parties to contest upcoming elections on different tickets.
Story by: Onokwafo Yaw Asiedu/Ahotoronline.com
