Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has issued a stark warning to Ghanaian leaders, urging them to heed the lessons from recent events in Kenya as the country approaches its crucial December 7 election.
The Kenyan government recently faced intense backlash, culminating in a massive protest led by young people and an attack on parliament, forcing the withdrawal of a financial bill intended to increase revenue.
Drawing parallels between the situations in Kenya and Ghana, Speaker Bagbin called on leaders, including Members of Parliament, to ensure that the upcoming elections are free, fair, and transparent.
In his commitment to a peaceful electoral process, Bagbin has proactively engaged with key stakeholders. This includes reaching out to the chairpersons of the Electoral Commission and the National Commission for Civic Education, traditional authorities, and the Chief Justice.
He also plans to discuss the importance of a violence-free election with President Akufo-Addo.
During a meeting with journalists in Kumasi, Bagbin emphasized the need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect Ghana’s democracy as the 2024 elections draw near. He highlighted the necessity of preventing any potential unrest or electoral misconduct.
“People sometimes take so many things for granted including my colleagues in Parliament, but we all can bear witness that what happened in Kenya is now in Tanzania, and it could be in Ghana and I am not saying it will be in Ghana.
“We are not different from our brothers and sisters in Kenya and so we have to take preemptive measures to prevent that from happening and so we must do all we can to make sure that the right person that Ghanaians want to lead the country, leads the country and so in this matter, I will do all I can so that nobody reads partisanship in whatever I do,” he said.