Desperation for power is undermining our Democracy — Martin Amidu on Ghana’s Political Climate

Former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has discussed the seeming political turmoil leading up to the December 2024 elections in his article dubbed, “The Politics of Desperation for Political Power in Ghana.”

He asserts that the two main political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), have become increasingly desperate for power, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the potential consequences for the 1992 Constitution.

Amidu highlights a recent conflict in Parliament regarding whether sitting members can contest as independent candidates in the upcoming elections. He notes, “This issue escalated following an NDC event on October 13, 2024, which led to parliamentary actions under the leadership of the Minority Leader.”

The Speaker of Parliament, under pressure from the NDC, declared the seats of four members vacant, inadvertently giving the NDC a slim majority. Amidu criticizes the Speaker’s actions, stating, “The Speaker’s declaration was not just a procedural move; it was politically motivated and served the interests of the NDC rather than the principles of parliamentary democracy.”

In response to this manoeuvring, the Majority Leader filed an action in the Supreme Court to restrain the Speaker’s decisions.

Amidu recounts, “The Supreme Court subsequently issued a stay on the Speaker’s declaration, which led to a wave of criticism from NDC members who challenged the Court’s authority.” He points out that the NDC’s declaration of themselves as the majority in Parliament is a blatant disregard for the Court’s decision, illustrating a growing contempt for the rule of law.

Amidu emphasizes, “Both major parties are attempting to manipulate public sentiment to secure votes, often at the expense of the truth and constitutional integrity.”

He warns that the current political climate, marked by desperation for power, risks undermining the 1992 Constitution and reigniting past political conflicts in Ghana. He concludes by urging stakeholders to prioritize the country’s constitutional values and the well-being of its citizens. “The 2024 elections must focus on integrity, policy, and serving the interests of the people, rather than the unrestrained pursuit of power,” he states firmly.

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