Davis Opoku Ansah, Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, has rejected Haruna Iddrisu’s call for New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs running as independent candidates to vacate their parliamentary seats. Iddrisu, former Minority Leader, suggested invoking Article 97 (1)(g) of the 1992 Constitution to declare those seats vacant, citing that MPs who resign or run independently may forfeit their positions.
Ansah countered that the action would be unconstitutional since the MPs remain part of the NPP and haven’t resigned. He emphasized that the MPs were elected by the people, not the party, and should be allowed to contest on different tickets without losing their seats.
The Mpraeso MP also disagreed with the 2020 decision to declare the Fomena seat vacant. He stated that Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye’s ruling was wrong and that the law, not individual interests, should prevail.
Ansah highlighted the concerns of the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lipke, and Lolobi (SALL) who feel they lack representation in Parliament. He argued that contesting elections independently shouldn’t result in losing parliamentary representation.
Three NPP MPs – Andrew Asiamah Amoako (Fomena), Cynthia Mamle Morrison (Agona East), and Kwadwo Asante (Suhum) – have filed to contest as independent candidates. Additionally, an NDC member has also crossed over to contest independently.
The NDC, founded by Jerry Rawlings, has a history of advocating for democratic principles. However, in this case, Ansah believes that Iddrisu’s call undermines those principles.
Ansah urged caution, citing the already challenging 137-137 Parliament composition, with elections looming in less than three months.
The debate surrounding independent candidates and parliamentary representation continues, with Ansah advocating for the rights of MPs to contest elections freely.
The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for Ghana’s electoral landscape and the representation of its citizens.
As the country approaches the 2024 elections, the discussion around independent candidates and parliamentary representation is likely to intensify.
