By Savannah Pokuaah Duah
Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has expressed his belief that the ongoing parliamentary deadlock could have been addressed through other means instead of resorting to the courts.
In his address to the clergy at the great hall, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, on Monday, November 11, 2024, John Dramani Mahama emphasised the importance of dialogue and negotiation in resolving political disputes.
He argued that collaboration among political parties would have been a more effective method to address the current parliamentary deadlock rather than engaging in legal battles.
“I think that it is something we can solve politically. The solution is not legal because the Supreme Court can make a decision and Parliament would say we are not under you, we are a separate arm of government. So, this would have demanded a political solution. But all that is dependent on the president,” he stated.
His comments follow the ongoing controversy surrounding Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant, which has sparked significant legal contention. Mahama’s call for open communication reflects a desire for a more harmonious political environment and highlights the need for unity in addressing governance challenges.
This decision, which has sparked considerable political debate, was originally made by Speaker Bagbin based on allegations that the affected Members of Parliament had violated constitutional requirements.
In response to this ruling, the Supreme Court intervened, placing a hold on the Speaker’s directive until a final decision is reached. The court is expected to deliver its verdict on this issue on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, a date that will be closely watched by both political figures and the public.
During his speech, Mahama argued that a court ruling should not have been necessary if there had been a willingness to engage in open dialogue. He suggested that mediation could have prevented the situation from escalating. He believes that addressing issues internally reflects a commitment to cooperation and a dedication to reinforcing Ghana’s democratic principles.
“If I were a president, I would have taken the case out of the Supreme Court and called both sides and their leaders and the Council of State and the speaker to resolve the matter because I believe if that is done there would be a resolution to the matter,” he added.