Accra, Jan. 7, GNA-Former President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday congratulated Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin on his election as the Speaker of the eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.
A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, said: « The events of last night stretching into the morning of January 7th have been both a great occasion for Ghana’s democracy and at the same time a day of infamy, which will go down as a low point in our democratic practice.
« The election of Mr Bagbin as Speaker affirms what a great democracy we can build for ourselves and how dialogue and consensus building can make us even stronger as a nation. »
Former President Mahama however noted that the attempt to snatch ballot papers by the MP-elect for Tema West and the invasion of the Chamber by armed military personnel were images one had never expected to see at the floor of Ghana’s Parliament.
« The recent use of the military in civil democratic processes has become a major worry and gives the impression that this administration is continually seeking to resurrect the exorcised ghosts of our military past, » he said.
He noted that Parliament must conduct an investigation into the two incidents and exact appropriate sanctions.
« Congratulations to the leadership of the NDC Caucus and the Caucus members for your dedication and commitment. »
GNA
FA/GRB
Jan. 7, 2021