Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has issued a cautionary note to Ghanaian leaders, urging them to learn from the recent events in Kenya as the country gears up for a crucial election on December 7.
Drawing parallels between the situations in Kenya and Ghana, Mr. Bagbin emphasized the importance of ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.
In a speech during an engagement with journalists in Kumasi, Mr. Bagbin stressed the need for preemptive measures to safeguard Ghana’s democracy ahead of the 2024 elections.
He highlighted the potential risks of complacency, even among Members of Parliament, noting that the instability seen in Kenya could easily happen in Ghana if precautions are not taken.
“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. It could be in Ghana, and I am not saying it will be in Ghana,” Alban Bagbin warned.
“We are not different from our brothers and sisters in Kenya, and so we have to take preemptive measures to prevent that from happening.”
To this end, the Speaker has initiated contact with key stakeholders in Ghana’s electoral process.
These include the chairpersons of the Electoral Commission and the National Commission for Civic Education, traditional authorities, and the Chief Justice.
Mr. Bagbin also plans to engage with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
“We must do all we can to make sure that the right person that Ghanaians want to lead the country, leads the country,” Bagbin stated. “In this matter, I will do all I can so that nobody reads partisanship in whatever I do.”
Alban Bagbin’s comments come as a wake-up call to Ghanaian leaders to prioritize the integrity of the upcoming elections.
His proactive approach aims to prevent electoral violence and ensure that Ghana remains a beacon of democracy in the region.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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