Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has called on the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to show restraint and maturity in Parliament, following their acquisition of a two-thirds majority.
The NDC now holds a supermajority in the House after the swearing-in of Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn as the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North.
Speaking on Tuesday after Aubynn took her oath, Speaker Bagbin drew on historical precedents from Ghana’s Fourth Republic. He recalled that during the First and Second Parliaments, where the NDC also held significant majorities, the late President Jerry John Rawlings advised them against using their numerical strength to suppress the minority’s voice.
Also Read: Ewurabena Aubynn sworn in as MP for Ablekuma North as Minority stages walkout
“President Jerry John Rawlings called us to a meeting and told us that we should not use the overwhelming majority to try to bully or stifle the minority from having their say on the floor of Parliament,” Speaker Bagbin stated.
NDC Supermajority
He also echoed President John Dramani Mahama’s promise that the NDC would not misuse its ‘supermajority’, urging the current members to act with patience and tolerance as national leaders.
The Speaker expressed concern over the increasing aggression in parliamentary debates, noting a decline in the spirit of cooperation that was previously seen in earlier Parliaments. He emphasised the need to remove violence, both in action and in language, from political discourse within the House.
Addressing the newly sworn-in Hon. Aubynn, Speaker Bagbin offered advice for her legislative career. He congratulated her on becoming the youngest MP and encouraged her to be diligent, disciplined, and humble.
He advised her to prioritise punctuality, presence in Parliament, calmness, and a willingness to learn from colleagues through extensive reading of the Constitution, Standing Orders, and other relevant materials.
Speaker Bagbin also cautioned Hon. Aubynn against undue influence, reminding her that her success in the election was due to her efforts. “You fought the battle; others only supported you, but it was your picture and name on the ballot box. So don’t allow anyone to change who you are,” he advised.
The Speaker reminded her of the weight of the responsibility entrusted to her by the electorate. He urged her to work diligently and not abuse the trust reposed in her, cautioning that “four years is just a day,” and that her constituents will judge her based on her performance when her mandate ends.
With the NDC’s enhanced majority, there are heightened expectations for legislative progress, coupled with strong reminders from the Speaker and former presidents to wield this power responsibly and inclusively.
By Osumanu Al-Hassan/thenewsbulletin24.com