PNAfrica Disappointed Over Failure To Probe January 7, 2021 Disturbances

A civil society organisation focused on promoting Open Parliaments across the continet, Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica), has expressed disappointment over the failure of the current leadership of Ghana Parliament to probe disturbances that characterized the election of House Speaker , Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin on 7^th January 2021.

PNAfrica in a statement said it submitted a petition and sent copies to the Leaders of both sides of the House as well as the Clerk to Parliament, on January 13, 2021, requesting an investigation into the disturbances that characterized the Speaker’s election.

According to the parliamentary monitoring CSO, the petition called for an investigation into the violent behavior of some Members-Elect then, the presence of ‘Strangers’ in the Chamber, and the role of Parliamentary Service officials responsible for maintaining order.

But sadly leadership of the House failed to officially acknowledge receipt of the petition and as well as taking action on the 2-paged petition submitted to the office of the Speaker of Parliament.

“Despite the gravity of the issue and the collective condemnation received both domestically and internationally, the petition has neither been officially acknowledged nor have the prayers contained in the petition been taken up.” the release stated.

PNAfrica through its latest relase is therefore calling on the leadership of the house to attach a sense of urgency to the petition and address the matter in order to salvage the impairing image and confidence of the Ghanaian public in the law making house.

Below is an unedited version of PNAfrica’s press release

 PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 7, 2024

PNAfrica Demands Swift Action on Unaddressed Petition Regarding Disturbances in Parliament Speaker’s Election

Accra, January 7, 2024 – On the third anniversary of the regrettable events that marred the Speaker’s election on January 7, 2021, Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica) expresses deep disappointment over the lack of official acknowledgment and action on the 2-paged petition submitted to the office of the Speaker of Parliament.

On January 13, 2021, PNAfrica submitted a petition, with copies sent to the Leaders of both sides of the House and the Clerk to Parliament, requesting an investigation into the disturbances that characterized the Speaker’s election. The petition called for a probe into the violent behavior of some Members-Elect, the presence of ‘Strangers’ in the Chamber, and the role of Parliamentary Service officials responsible for maintaining order.

Despite the gravity of the issue and the collective condemnation received both domestically and internationally, the petition has neither been officially acknowledged nor have the prayers contained in the petition been taken up. PNAfrica emphasizes the urgency of addressing this matter to salvage the impairing image and confidence of the public in Parliament.

The petition specifically recommended immediate actions to address the following:

• The general violent behavior of some Members and their actions affect the election process.
• The presence of ‘Strangers’ in the hallowed Chamber of Parliament.
• The role of official(s) of the Parliamentary Service mandated to ensure order during the period.

– More –

PNAfrica believes that a thorough inquiry into these issues will not only bring justice but will also contribute to the improvement and strengthening of the institution of Parliament and its Departments in the discharge of their duties.

As we celebrate Constitutional Day, we respectfully remind the Rt. Hon. Speaker of his expressed “deepest regret” and acknowledgment of the breaches of the sanctity of a vote during the election of the Speaker of the 8th Parliament. The absence of justification or reasonable excuse for not initiating a probe or providing regular updates to the public is worrying.

Considering that we are in an electioneering year, the need to take action on our petition is very urgent to ensure that a similar situation does not occur next year during the election of the Speaker of the Ninth Parliament.

PNAfrica considers this a priority advocacy issue and calls on all Ghanaians, civil society organizations, and the media to keep the issue activated until a credible closure is brought to it. We firmly believe that only through transparent and accountable actions can the wounds of the past be healed and the integrity of Parliament be restored.