SPEAKER URGES GHANAIANS TO ENSURE PEACEFUL ELECTIONS (PAGE 15)

Story: A. Kofoya-Tetteh, Koforidua

THE Speaker of Parliament, Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes, has stated that since this year’s presidential and parliamentary elections will test Ghana’s democracy, it is the responsibility of the people to ensure that the event takes place peacefully.
This, he said, would preserve the peace the country had beenenjoying for a very long time.
The Speaker said this when he addressed participants of parliamentary outreach programme in Koforidua last Tuesday, , during which parliamentary processes were explained to the participants who in turn asked questions on a wide range of issues.
The gathering brought together a cross-section of the society from the region as well as such dignitaries as the Minority Leader, Mr Alban Bagbin, the Second Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Malik Alhassan, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Affram Asiedu, some Members of Parliament from both sides of the political divide, as well as district chief executives from the region.
The Speaker said for over a decade that Ghanaians had embraced democracy, the country had struggled but had progressively held on to advance as evidenced in the peaceful and democratic manner of political transition in 2000 and the subsequent elections in 2004.
Mr Sakyi Hughes said although Ghanaians should be commended for the political maturity they had exhibited so far, they must not be complacent but should assist the institutional structures of the state to deliver during the polls.
“This year is an election year as it promises to test our steadfastness once more, and we all owe it a duty to stand for democracy, exercise our franchise and assist the structures of state to deliver.
“We are all one people with a common destiny, but probably differ in the mode that things should be done; Ghana is our nation and we must help to keep the peace for our generation and generations unborn,” Mr Sekyi Hughes stated
The Speaker, who explained the works of Parliament to the participants, said the august body had its own problems and said as a way of solving the problems and strengthening its institutional capacity to perform its functions, an enhanced strategic plan, which was developed had been implemented.
The Minority Leader, Mr Alban Bagbin, explained that the traditional role of the opposition in Parliament was to serve as voice for the voiceless, an alternative to the ruling government, and lately a critical partner in nation building.
In performing such functions, he said, the opposition had the responsibility to be fair in criticising government policies.
Mr Bagbin said the opposition must also promote alternative policies that would advance progress in the country.
According to him, if Ghana’s democracy should be preserved as a viable mode of governance, the opposition must perform its role fearlessly and that could be done only if it was recognised, accorded rights and enabled to act responsibly.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Affram Asiedu, said the programme was a clear manifestation of government’s commitment to the policy of grass roots participation in decision making to enhance good governance.