Dr. Rasheed Dramani, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Parliamentary Affairs, has challenged Ghana's Parliament to apply its own standards of scrutiny internally. He stated that Parliament effectively scrutinises the government but fails to apply the same rigour to allegations involving its own members. This critical assessment comes amid growing public debate over accountability and parliamentary oversight.
Dr. Dramani’s concerns stem from a perceived lack of internal accountability within the legislative body. He noted that partisan solidarity frequently overrides the need for critical scrutiny when accusations arise against Members of Parliament (MPs). This tendency, he explained, contributes significantly to low public trust and high perceptions of corruption regarding Parliament as an institution.
This issue fits into a broader narrative of governance challenges in Ghana. Public institutions often face criticism for perceived double standards or a lack of transparency. The call for Parliament to self-scrutinise aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and improve public confidence in state actors. Data from various governance indices often highlight the importance of accountability for institutional integrity.
“Parliament is better at scrutinising the executive than having the moral authority to scrutinise itself,” Dr. Dramani stated on Joy News’ PM Express. He cited the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) as an example of Parliament's capability, noting its 31 public hearings in 2024 and over 1,000 recommendations for resource recovery. He questioned whether Parliament applies this same standard to its own members.
The implications of Parliament's failure to address internal allegations transparently are significant. It risks further eroding public trust and undermining the institution's credibility. Decision-makers must consider reforms that ensure impartial investigations and clear resolutions for all allegations. This could involve establishing independent oversight mechanisms or revising internal disciplinary processes to enhance transparency.
Dr. Dramani highlighted that the current situation, especially with a supermajority Parliament, demands leaders with high integrity. Such leaders are crucial for effectively holding both the majority and the Executive accountable. He stressed that the office of parliamentary leadership requires unwavering credibility to perform its oversight functions effectively.
The expert’s comments follow a public dispute involving Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. Mr. Afenyo-Markin faced accusations from GoldBod Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi. This incident has intensified calls for greater accountability among public officials and within Parliament itself. The dispute underscores the urgent need for clear processes to handle allegations against MPs.
Parliament's historical failure to demonstrate a clear path from allegation to resolution has fuelled public mistrust. Dr. Dramani suggested that Parliament should consider allowing independent voices to participate in any investigations. He proposed a committee comprising MPs and eminent Ghanaians to ensure impartiality and restore public confidence.
Such a committee would provide a transparent process, leading to clear outcomes. This could include sanctions if wrongdoing is found, or exonerations if allegations are disproven. This approach would help Parliament improve its image in the eyes of the public. It would also demonstrate a commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity for all its members.
The challenge to Parliament is to move beyond partisan solidarity and embrace genuine self-accountability. This is essential for strengthening Ghana's democratic framework. It will ensure that the legislative body maintains its moral authority and effectively serves the interests of all Ghanaians. The public will watch closely for Parliament's response to these calls for reform.