Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Rasheed Draman, has said the Ghanaian Parliament’s independence is being compromised due to deep-rooted partisanship.
In an interview with Alfred Ocansey on Ghana Tonight on November 6, Dr. Draman noted that a recent pattern of tensions between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches stems largely from internal issues within Parliament itself, warning that the institution is weakening as a result.
“Rather than seeing Parliament as an institution to be protected and strengthened, we see MPs divided along party lines,” Dr. Draman said, explaining that members frequently support the executive branch based on party loyalty, even when it is not in the nation’s best interest.
This development, he argued, undermines Parliament’s ability to stand on an equal footing with the executive and judiciary.
He emphasized that the issue is partisan, with MPs on both sides failing to prioritize parliamentary integrity over political allegiance.
Dr. Draman also criticized the trend of lawmakers turning to the Supreme Court to resolve internal issues, which he says could be addressed within the legislative chamber. “They run to the Supreme Court all the time, even on matters they can sit down and resolve,” he explained, adding that this reliance on judicial intervention has eroded respect for Parliament’s autonomy. By allowing external branches to intervene, he argued, Parliament is effectively ceding its authority.
“Tensions recently escalated when President Nana Akufo-Addo reportedly declined to receive a bill passed by Parliament,” he said.
Dr. Draman observed that, instead of a united response from lawmakers, only opposition members expressed disapproval.
“Tomorrow, when there’s another president and a similar situation arises, people will ask, where were they when the precedent was set?” he warned, emphasizing the lasting impact of partisan responses on public trust and institutional respect.
As Parliament prepares to reconvene, Dr. Draman outlined three potential outcomes, each with troubling implications: a repeat of the previous session’s power struggle, a walkout by one faction to avoid confrontation, or, in the worst-case scenario, a physical altercation.
“Let’s all brace for turbulence,” he remarked, cautioning that unresolved conflicts make a smooth session unlikely.
Dr. Draman’s insights come as Ghanaians increasingly question whether Parliament can uphold its role as an independent and respected arm of government amid rising partisanship and judicial involvement.
By Christabel Success Treve, 3News