In a pressing call for change, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader in Ghana, has reached out to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, urging a significant overhaul in the nation’s governance style. This appeal, aimed at bolstering the confidence of the Ghanaian populace in their democracy, comes at a time when public trust appears to be waning. Dr. Forson’s comments were made amidst discussions on the implementation of Parliament’s new Standing Orders, designed to instill greater discipline and accountability among its members.
The initiation of these new Standing Orders, including a daily roll call and the recitation of the national pledge, marks a pivotal shift from the procedures set since 2006. This reform within the parliamentary system seeks not only to enhance operational efficiency but also to reinforce the commitment of MPs to their constituents. Dr. Forson, representing the National Democratic Congress and serving as the MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam, emphasized the need for similar reforms within the executive branch to secure the future success of Ghana’s democracy.
Addressing the media, Dr. Forson outlined the legislature’s dedication to safeguarding the democratic process in Ghana, acknowledging the system’s flaws while highlighting the ongoing efforts to refine it. He also pointed out the recent controversies surrounding the introduction of new taxes, suggesting that the lack of proper communication and stakeholder engagement has fueled discontent among labor unions and civil society organizations.
In response, the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, acknowledged the constraints of engaging all stakeholders due to time limitations but advocated for more inclusive consultations in the future, especially before significant decisions like budget presentations.
According to a report by Graphic Online, this dialogue between the minority and majority leaders sheds light on the ongoing discussions around governance reform, tax policy, and the broader quest for a more transparent, accountable, and participatory democratic process in Ghana.
