The Minority caucus of Parliament has boycotted business in Parliament on a number of occasions this week alone, all in a bid to demonstrate solidarity for Hon.James Gyakye Quayson, the Member of Parliament for Assin North, who is on trial for perjury.
While the Minority can be commended for their show of camaraderie for their colleague, it is essential to examine the implications of their decision to abstain from their legislative duties. It is necessary to emphasize the importance of upholding the rule of law, especially when discussing issues pertaining to the very people who have been vested with the responsibility of legislating in the country. The decision to solidarize with a colleague, who clearly broke a law should not be at the expense of fulfilling their primary responsibilities as elected officials representing their respective constituencies.
All elected members of parliament, regardless of political affiliation, must actively participate in and execute their mandate for the legislative arm of government to effectively function. Democratic procedures are undermined and the legislative body's ability to function are restricted when parliamentary activities are boycotted. It hinders effective parliamentary debate and jeopardizes Parliament’s capacity to consider important bills and conduct business in the interest of Ghanaians.
The integrity of the Parliamentary system is compromised by the Minority's absence and is antithetical and contemptuous to Article 122 of the Constitution, which all Members of Parliament swore an oath to uphold. Article 122 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana defines contempt of Parliament as an act or omission which obstructs or impedes Parliament in the performance of its functions, or which obstructs or impedes a member or officer of Parliament in the discharge of his duties or affronts the dignity of Parliament or which tends either directly or indirectly to produce that result.
As it stands, Mr. Gyakye Quayson is adequately represented in court by his competent legal team and therefore, this decision by the Minority to attend court in solidarity with him is very unnecessary. By abstaining from their duties, they leave their constituents and the good people of Ghana, whose taxes fund their remuneration, without proper representation.
As a Civil Society Organisation dedicated to the course of democracy in Ghana, CDS Africa calls on Hon. James Gyakye Quayson and the minority caucus to, as a matter of urgency, look beyond their parochial political party affiliations and refer to their core mandate to ensure their active participation in Parliament and in nation building by attending Parliament as required of them. A robust democracy requires active participation from all members of Parliament to effectively address the needs of the people and uphold the democratic values of Ghana.
