Martin Amidu, a distinguished Ghanaian politician and former Attorney General, has raised alarm over the escalating political tensions between the majority and minority parties in Parliament. His remarks come in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling that reversed a decision by Speaker Alban Bagbin, which had declared four parliamentary seats vacant.
In his article titled “The Politics of Desperation for Political Power in Ghana,” Amidu criticized both major political parties for their attempts to sway public opinion to secure electoral advantage, often compromising truth and constitutional integrity. He stated, “Both major parties are attempting to manipulate public sentiment to secure votes, often at the expense of the truth and constitutional integrity”.
The Supreme Court’s recent stay of execution has effectively paused Bagbin’s ruling, impacting Members of Parliament Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Amoako Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central). This development has ignited intense debates and accusations of political maneuvering from both sides.
Amidu cautioned that the current struggle for political supremacy threatens the foundational principles of the 1992 Constitution. He warned, “If left unchecked, this desperation risks reigniting past political conflicts that could destabilize our democracy.” He emphasized the importance for political actors to learn from historical precedents to avoid practices that could lead to unrest.
In a strong call for reform, Amidu urged all stakeholders to prioritize Ghana’s constitutional values and the welfare of its citizens over personal ambitions. “The 2024 elections must focus on integrity, policy, and serving the interests of the people, rather than the unrestrained pursuit of power,” he asserted.
Amidu is known for his unwavering stance against corruption and served as Ghana’s first Special Prosecutor from 2018 until his resignation in 2020 due to alleged political interference. He gained prominence for his role in high-profile investigations, notably during the Woyome scandal, where he introduced the term “gargantuan” into discussions on accountability.
Newslinkghana.com