SIMCEL ONLINE

1. For the first time it is hung parliament of equal strength comprising 137-137 for the NDC and NPP, with 1 Independent MP
2. It has 40 women, 20 on both sides
3. It is made up of 117 men from each side
4. It has an Independent MP who was an NPP man in the last parliament. It also has a Speaker who was an NDC man in the previous parliament.

Anyone leading a group to deal with this kind of parliament of equal strength must be tactful, sober and humble. The use of force and money can play a role only to a limited extent. Respect and dialogue are crucial in handling matters in such a House. The next sitting of parliament must not be another show down. What happened last Friday should point any right thinking leader of parliament to the dogmas of competent dialogue and respect for the minority group.

So, let there be serious “behind the scenes” dialogue and consultations led not necessarily by those who have been in parliament for long, but those who know how to dialogue. For, not every leader of parliament knows how to dialogue in a hung parliament, given that the current parliament is in itself new in the history of the Fourth Republic.

Leaders in a hung parliament would woefully fail their constituents and those who look up to them if they assume a “combative sense of power” posturing in parliamentary deliberations. It would result In needless stalemates and baseless accusations of bias on the part of a Speaker who only typifies how all Speakers have behaved since 1993. All Speakers lean towards their party in every democracy. We saw how Nancy Pelosi shredded the speech of Trump in parliament in the full glare of the cameras.

Bagbin’s problem is more pronounced in Ghana among the majority group because for the first time, he is a Speaker from the other party. Apart from his sometimes “over-the-bar” comments and unnecessary over-flex of muscle, I think Bagbin has the needed experience to succeed as Speaker. He must only be counseled to tone down on his muscle-flexing spree in order not to court unnecessary attacks on his person and be perceived as someone deliberately trying to sabotage government.

The current leadership of the majority group in parliament must note and appreciate the responsibilities imposed by the kind of parliament we currently have. They must quickly adjust to the realities of this hung parliament or be prepared to be replaced by those who can tactfully navigate government policies through a certain dialogue posturing that is not repulsive to the other side.

The minority group too must not add too much salt to the soup by being overly intransigent. At least, they have made a point that should be respected by all well-meaning Ghanaians. They must however be careful not to over-do things in a manner that would quickly remind all of us that they would have done same or even worse if they were in government. We’ve been around for long enough and we know that what political parties say and do in opposition is different from what they say and do in government. The Fourth republic is replete with too many examples to underscore this.

I am reliably informed that there would be some meeting between the two groups before parliament sits tomorrow. Let the majority listen and let the minority not be too intransigent. Let all appreciate the uniqueness of this current parliament and act accordingly with tact and mutual respect.

Yaw Gyampo
A31, Prabiw
PAV Ansah Street
Saltpond
&
Suro Nipa House
Kubease
Larteh-Akuapim