The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has cautioned Members of Parliament (MPs) from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), urging them not to misuse their parliamentary majority to suppress the voices of their colleagues in the Minority.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament after the swearing in of Ewurabena Aubynn, MP for Ablekuma North, on Tuesday July 22, he reminded the NDC MPs of their national responsibility and the need for tolerance in democratic discourse.
“We should not use the overwhelming majority to try to bully or stifle the Minority from having their say on the floor of Parliament,” the Speaker stated.
Emphasising the importance of leadership and inclusivity, Bagbin called on the Majority side—currently dominated by the NDC—to rise above partisan interests and act in the best interest of the country.
“When you are given this mandate, you must act as the father and mother of the nation. So you must have the patience, you must have the tolerance to listen to the other side,” he urged.
Bagbin also referenced wise counsel from former presidents Jerry John Rawlings and John Dramani Mahama, encouraging the NDC MPs to heed their advice and lead with maturity and respect.
“I hope and pray that this exaltation from both Presidents—His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings and His Excellency John Dramani Mahama—will be taken by you. We must allow our colleagues in the Minority to have their say.”
