Dr Rasheed Dramani, Director of the Africa Centre for Parliamentary Affairs, has issued a stark warning to Parliament’s supermajority, urging for a swift and thorough investigation into allegations leveled against its members, particularly concerning the actions of GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi’s former member, Alexander Afenyo-Markin. Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, Dramani emphasized the importance of prioritizing ethical standards and accountability within the parliamentary system. He highlighted the concern that the failure to adequately investigate these claims could further erode public trust in the institution.
His central point revolves around the office of the MP and its crucial role in parliamentary accountability, especially under a supermajority government. Dramani stressed that the focus should extend beyond Afenyo-Markin, emphasizing the need to assess the integrity of the MP’s actions and their impact on parliamentary processes.
He directly addressed the controversy triggered by Gyamfi’s allegation that Afenyo-Markin was an ‘extortionist,’ stating that the focus should be on the MP’s conduct and the implications of this accusation. Dramani underscored the need for political leaders to uphold high ethical standards, stating that “We need leaders with integrity. We need a minority with a very high level of integrity to be able to hold this supermajority and the executive accountable.” He further cautioned that partisan solidarity often overrides accountability, leading to rallies and accusations without first confronting the substance of the allegations.
His comments come amidst a rising legal battle involving the Office of the Special Prosecutor, who is conducting a preliminary assessment of related allegations. Dr Dramani asserted that the latest controversy must be viewed within a historical context of allegations that have often failed to yield clear resolutions. He identified partisan solidarity as a key factor contributing to public mistrust within Parliament. He stated that caucuses sometimes rally behind accused MPs without first confronting the allegations, and that the political cost of investigating fellow MPs often creates challenges.
He proposed a process for allegation to resolution, stating that Parliament must establish a clear path of allegation to resolution. He urged the Parliament to establish a committee comprised of MPs and eminent Ghanaians to oversee this process. Dramani suggested that the committee should be made up of Parliament members and some eminent Ghanaians, thus promoting a new approach to Parliament’s accountability.
Furthermore, Dramani questioned whether Parliament applies the same scrutiny to itself as it applies to the Executive. He stated that Parliament is better at scrutinizing the executive than having the moral authority to scrutinise itself. He cited the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) as an example, noting that in 2024, it held about 31 public hearings and made over 1,000 recommendations for recovery of resources. He asked whether Parliament applies the same standard when allegations concern its own members. He asserted that the political cost of investigating themselves, their own, is usually very high, and they want to keep quiet because over the years they build relationships; current MPs are future ministers, and all the kind of networks and so on. He proposed a committee comprising MPs and some eminent Ghanaians, so that for the first time, and in the interest of Parliament itself, in order to improve its image in the eyes of the public, this matter is dealt with.
He concluded by emphasizing that the process must produce a definitive outcome, stating that “So that we see a clear path from this allegation to a clear resolution, and if there are sanctions, let them be applied; if there are exonerations, let those happen.” Dramani also emphasized the need for a process that ensures a clear path for allegations to resolution, and that it is important for Parliament to improve its image in the public eye through this matter being dealt with.
Source: MyJoyOnline
