Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has issued a cautionary note to Ghanaian leaders, highlighting the recent events in Kenya as a critical reminder, especially as the country gears up for the crucial election on December 7 this year.
The Kenyan government was recently forced to withdraw a financial bill that sought to raise more revenue after a massive protest by young people including an attack on parliament.
Speaker Bagbin emphasised that the situation in Kenya shares similarities with Ghana’s and urged leaders, including Members of Parliament, to prioritise free, fair, and transparent elections.
He proactively reached out to key stakeholders in his efforts to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
These stakeholders include the chairpersons of the Electoral Commission and the National Commission for Civic Education, traditional authorities, and the Chief Justice.
He also plans to engage with President Akufo-Addo to emphasise the importance of a violence-free election.
During an engagement with journalists in Kumasi, Bagbin stressed the need to take measures to safeguard Ghana’s democracy ahead of the 2024 elections.
He underscored the importance of vigilance and proactive actions to prevent any potential unrest or electoral malpractice.
“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, and it could be in Ghana and I am not saying it will be in Ghana.
“We are not different from our brothers and sisters in Kenya and so we have to take preemptive measures to prevent that from happening and so we must do all we can to make sure that the right person that Ghanaians want to lead the country, leads the country and so in this matter, I will do all I can so that nobody reads partisanship in whatever I do,” he said.
Source:www.myjoyonline.com