Dr. Rasheed Draman, Executive Director of the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), has bemoaned the 1992 Constitution’s insensitivity regarding procedures upon the demise of a President or an MP.
He says the constitution and the standing orders of Parliament don’t provide for a deceased person to be mourned, something he believes should be reconsidered, so the memory of deceased persons are respected to some extent.
His comments come in the wake of a row in Parliament over the demise of the Akwatia Member of Parliament (MP), which led to a boycott by the Minority caucus.
The Minority in Parliament staged a walkout on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in protest against comments made by Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, concerning the yet-to-be-declared vacancy of the Akwatia parliamentary seat following the death of MP Ernest Yaw Kumi.
Ayariga, raising the matter during proceedings, questioned Speaker Alban Bagbin on when the seat would be formally declared vacant.
He referred to a recent visit by the Parliamentary leadership to the late MP’s family, noting that the death had been acknowledged during that interaction.
“Whenever a vacancy occurs in Parliament, the Clerk of Parliament shall notify the Electoral Commission in writing within seven days after becoming aware. Mr. Speaker, if Ghanaians ask the Clerk if they are aware or not, can he say he is not aware?
“After being informed by the Leader of the Caucus through a statement in this House, the Clerk himself followed up at his house and met the family members of the deceased, and they confirmed to him that the deceased had passed. And this was on national television,” He stated.
In response, Speaker Bagbin clarified that Parliament could not proceed with declaring the seat vacant or notify the Electoral Commission until it receives formal communication from the bereaved family.
The situation grew tense when Ayariga alleged that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had already circulated campaign posters featuring the late MP’s widow, Mavis Kumi, indicating her intention to contest the anticipated by-election.
The Minority found Ayariga’s remarks inappropriate and insensitive, describing them as premature and politicising a period of mourning. In protest, they walked out of the chamber.
Dr. Draman emphasised on Ghana Tonight on TV3 Thursday, July 17, 2025, that Ghana’s laws need review. This review, he indicated, would address handling of situations involving the death of an MP or President, which he feels lack sensitivity.
“In our constitution and in the standing orders of Parliament and all the laws that governs the way Parliament does its work, there is no room for sympathy, no room for mourning and no room for emotions,” he stated.
In his explanation, he said: “I make this statement at least based on some of the events that happened in the past in this country, including the big one few years ago when our President passed away. That same day the country was called upon to do what the constitution said must be done.”
Dr. Draman intimated that “Hon. Mahama Ayariga the Majority Leader, as he indicated, his concern is his fidelity to the constitution and I think that should be the concern of everybody in the House, including members of the Minority caucus.”
“So, I think if the rules are not clear, they should rather sit down and find a way to clarify the rules,” he added.
By: Felix Anim-Appau, Onua Online
