Former Kumbungu MP, Ras Mubarak, has expressed his dismay over the motion to remove four MPs who are contesting the December 2024 parliamentary elections as independent candidates.
The motion, spearheaded by the former Minority Leader, has sparked debate in Parliament but was deferred by the Speaker for a final decision.
In an opinion piece, Mubarak described the motion as “bizarre and shocking,” arguing that it ignores more pressing national concerns.
According to him, with just weeks left before the crucial December elections, Parliament’s attention should be focused on ensuring the integrity of the upcoming election and addressing the challenges posed by the Electoral Commission (EC).
Ras Mubarak argued that the foremost priority for Members of Parliament, particularly those in opposition, should be to address the EC’s “adamant posturing” and ensure it delivers a free and fair election on December 7.
He questioned the relevance of the motion, asserting that removing the four MPs would not resolve the broader electoral issues or curtail the powers of President Akufo-Addo, whom he suggested should have been impeached over his governance failures.
He further highlighted Ghana’s alarming road safety crisis, noting that nearly 1,500 Ghanaians had died in road accidents in the first quarter of 2024, with nearly 10,000 others sustaining injuries in the first half of the year.
Ras Mubarak expressed disappointment that Parliament had not focused on enacting legislation to address this issue or appropriating funds to combat it.
Additionally, he pointed to the rampant destruction of water bodies through illegal mining, the country’s plastic pollution crisis, and the government’s economic mismanagement as urgent matters that should have Parliament’s full attention.
“Instead of pushing for meaningful legislation or a motion to impeach the President for his failure to tackle these crises, the Minority has chosen to focus on a futile attempt to remove four MPs, which will not yield any significant benefits,” Ras Mubarak lamented.
He also questioned the timing and impact of the motion, pointing out that with only 52 days until the election, there would be no time for a by-election if the MPs were removed.
Ras Mubarak contended that removing these MPs would have no substantial impact on the fortunes of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming election.
The former MP also called for more focus on national security issues, including the safety of Ghana’s peacekeeping troops in Lebanon, following an attack by Israeli forces.
He urged Parliament to summon the Minister of Defence to address the matter.
Furthermore, he emphasized the need for an amendment to the Coroner’s Act, which mandates autopsies for all deceased persons, a concern for the Muslim community.
Reflecting on the former Minority Leader’s actions, Mubarak accused him of failing to defend the constitution when it mattered most, citing instances in 2022 when certain MPs violated constitutional provisions by being absent from Parliament without leave.
He noted that despite those infractions, there was no attempt by the former Minority Leader to hold them accountable.
As the December elections approach, Mubarak urged the NDC to focus on reining in the Electoral Commissioner and ensuring a credible election.
He warned against distractions and time-wasting motions, emphasizing the need to keep their eyes on the most critical issues affecting the nation.
“The life of this Parliament is less than three months from coming to an end. There’s little or no political capital from removing the MPs going independent.
“We need to prioritize what matters most and not waste precious time on gymnastics that have no real impact,” Ras Mubarak concluded.
In a final appeal, the former MP stressed the urgency of addressing the real challenges facing the country, warning that the NDC cannot afford to lose focus as they head into a difficult election where the stakes are high.
Source: myjoyonline.com
