The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has called on the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to demonstrate restraint and maturity in their parliamentary actions following the party’s acquisition of a two-thirds majority.
This follows the swearing-in of Ewurabena Aubynn as the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North.
The Speaker reminded the House of historical lessons from the early years of the Fourth Republic, during which the NDC also held significant majorities. He referenced the First and Second Parliaments of the Fourth Republic, in which the NDC enjoyed overwhelming majorities, and shared advice once imparted by the late President Jerry John Rawlings.
Speaking shortly after Aubynn took the oath of office, he noted that the First Parliament of the Fourth Republic had a majority of over two-thirds, originating from the NDC, just as the Second Parliament did. “President Jerry John Rawlings called us to a meeting and advised us not to use our overwhelming majority to intimidate or silence the minority from expressing their views in Parliament,” he revealed.
He urged the current Majority to follow this caution, echoing President John Dramani Mahama’s promise not to misuse the party’s numerical advantage.
“You, when given this mandate, must act as the father and mother of the nation. You must have the patience; you must have the tolerance to listen to the other side. I hope and pray that this exhortation from both Presidents, His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings and His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, will be taken seriously by you,” Bagbin said.
The Speaker expressed concern over what he described as growing aggression in parliamentary discourse, warning that the spirit of cooperation and civility that characterised the early years of Ghana’s Fourth Republic is fading.
He lamented that the House is now full of shouting and stressed that it was not how the Fourth Republican Parliament was started.
“Let us remove the issue of violence from our lives, particularly our political lives, not only in elections but also in the House, particularly when you are making submissions. Most of the words you use are not only intemperate, but even how they are delivered chooses violence,” he stated.
Addressing Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn directly, the Speaker congratulated her as the youngest and newest Member of Parliament, and offered fatherly advice as she begins her legislative journey.
“You are now the hope of the people in the constituency. They are looking up to you to do something to improve their lives. It is a trust, and this, I pray, you don’t abuse,” Bagbin told her.
He encouraged her to be diligent, disciplined, and humble. Be punctual, be ever-present in Parliament, be calm, listen more, and learn from her colleagues. She was urged to read everything, not only the Constitution and the Standing Orders, but also everything else.
The Speaker cautioned her against being influenced by others now that she holds office and advised her not to be misled by any person.
“You fought the battle; others only supported you, but it was your picture and name on the ballot box. So don’t allow anyone to change who you are,” he stated.
Aubynn’s swearing-in brings the NDC’s seat count to a supermajority, raising expectations for legislative reform while drawing reminders from key leaders to exercise power with responsibility.
