Ghana, a leading country in the Pan African liberation struggles, also known as the ‘gateway to Africa’ has been touted as one of the countries to bring hope to the African continent and the world at large, as far as democratic governance is concerned; though has seen several military coup d’états that has slowed the realization of this dream of the country for quite a long time.

It is in this vein that the Minority Leader of Ghana’s Parliament and Member for Tamale South, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu has stated that never again will Ghana experience this setback, since the country is marching on to glory, assuming its role as the beacon of hope for Sub-Saharan Africa and Africa in general.

Speaking at the 25th Anniversary of the 7th Parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana under the theme “25 years of Parliamentary Democracy; Challenges and Prospects” at the Accra International Conference Center, Haruna Iddrisu indicated that, Ghana shares similar democratic history with Nigeria in terms of destabilization of the two countries through military coup d’états.

Both countries, He said,  are resolved to put that history behind them and move ahead towards economic and general development, not only for our individual countries, but as a pivot of development in Africa as a whole.

“We are resolved as a country in saying never again to coup d’états moving forward”. He declared.

He indicated further that, a stronger Parliament remains the custodian of the liberties of the people; adding that a stronger Parliament also represent a stronger democracy, stronger accountability, and reflects also a representative government.

He agreed that twenty five (25) years of Parliamentary democracy is worth celebrating, since the inception of the 4th Republican era, Ghana has demonstrated to Africa and the outside world that “she is the beacon of democracy and hope for many to emulate”.

He also revealed that, the Parliament of Ghana reflects all shaded of opinions, being religious, Christian, Islam, traditionalists and all.

He further added that the problem of Ghana’s Parliament has been the attribution rate, where members keep changing, with members trooping in to the House after each election, something he sees to be problematic, since it compromises experience and in-depth knowledge.

According to him, Ghana would have to find where to place the numerous talents and expertise of former parliamentarians which have been lost as a result of their non-retention.

He called on all forces to allow Parliament exercise its role as the mouthpiece of the people.

He also thinks the powers bestowed on the President by the Constitution are too excessive, adding that “we need to curtail them in future”.

In welcoming all stakeholders to the event, the Clerk of Parliament Emmanuel K. Ayimadu indicated that 25 years ago, Ghana charted a new democratic course which ushered in the 4th Republic, subsequent to which the 1st Parliament of the 4th Republic was inaugurated on the 4th of January, 1993.

He indicated also that the Parliament of Ghana has played a pivotal role in safeguarding democracy in Ghana, especially in the last twenty five (25) years of our national history.

He said, it is a significant milestone worth celebrating, hence the event which commences the year long activities of the Silver jubilee celebrations.

Adding that the period of the celebration will help us as a country to reflect on our past history and ponder over the things to do to consolidate the democratic gains chucked so far and even deepen it more.

The event saw the President of the Republic, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Vice President of the Republic, H. E. Alhaji Dr. Mahmoud Bawumia, the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H. E. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, traditional rulers, past and present Leadership and Members of Parliament, members of the Diplomatic Corp, representatives of the Security Agencies, the Media, Civil Society and Academia, as well as the general public.

The theme for celebration is “25 years of Parliamentary Democracy-Challenges and Prospects”.

Story: Frederick E. Aggrey

 

Exclusively Newslinegh