Former National Security Coordinator, Mr.
Francis Poku has said that the ongoing tussle between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament over the majority position poses a security threat.In his view, the matter is a test of Ghana's democratic stability.Asked whether this poses a security threat while speaking on TV3's Agenda on Monday, October 21, he said "Obviously, if we are not able to arrest the situation, it is the test of our stability as a democratic nation and that is where my interest is."Mr Francis Poku further said that the most important issue that should concern Ghanaians about the ongoing tussle in Parliament should be how Ghana will be perceived in terms of stability.To him, although all the legal arguments have been made about the speaker's ruling declaring the four seats vacant and also the Supreme Court's order to stay the execution of the speaker's ruling, it is important to consider the implications of the development on the stability of Ghana.He said "it is nice to hear all the constitutional and legal arguments, yes, it has been well dealt with by various experts but at the end of the day, we have to look at the way we are perceived in terms of law enforcement, in terms of stability, whether we are able to meet the requirements of a stable nation."I have followed the various arguments but what concerns me is what we make out of the current situation in terms of our nation's stability. , what are the dangers that we could easily encounter so at some point we have to leave out the arguments and focus on where we are, the survival of our democracy."Meanwhile, the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has encouraged Speaker Alban Bagbin to fully comply with the Supreme Court's directive to stay the execution of the ruling that declares four seats vacant.CDD said it acknowledges the diversity of views in the public discourse surrounding this issue, particularly the legal opinions regarding both the Speaker's actions and the Supreme Court's intervention.Without a doubt, the think tank said, this situation presents a novel challenge to Ghana's constitutional practice.
It requires careful and sensitive handling to prevent the onset of constitutional and political turmoil, particularly as the country approaches the 2024 general elections."The Center strongly urges all Members of Parliament, political parties, the Executive, and the media to act with maximum restraint, a sense of responsibility, and respect for the letter and spirit of the constitutional principles and processes that underpin Ghana's democracy."It implores all stakeholders to prioritize the preservation of the nation's peace and stability and work diligently to avoid a recurrence of the regrettable scenes witnessed during the Speaker's election on January 7, 2021."To deescalate the current tension and uphold the rule of law, CDD-Ghana encourages the Speaker and Parliament to fully comply with the Supreme Court's directions, notwithstanding disagreements with the ruling.
The timely filing of the required legal documents will ensure the case proceeds swiftly, and help provide clarity and resolution.