By Clement Akoloh/Communications Officer for the Parliamentary Network Africa(PNAfrica) – A Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Advocate
The scenes that have unfolded in Ghana’s Parliament in recent years are becoming disturbingly familiar. Heated exchanges, walkouts, disorderly conduct, and near-physical confrontations have now become a recurring feature of the legislative process. The latest stand-off over the declaration of the Kpandai seat vacant was only the most recent reminder of a House that appears increasingly unable to govern its own proceedings.
Parliament is the heart of Ghana’s democracy. It is the forum where the nation’s laws are debated, where the people’s representatives exercise oversight, and where national consensus is supposed to be built. Yet, instead of providing leadership and stability, the House has frequently become a stage for political brinkmanship and chaos. This worrying trend not only undermines parliamentary integrity but also erodes public confidence in the institution itself.
A Culture of Confrontation, Not Consensus
The degeneration of parliamentary discourse cannot be blamed on isolated incidents. It reflects a deeper structural and cultural problem. Ghana’s politics has become extremely polarised, and this division is increasingly playing out in Parliament, where partisan allegiance often overshadows national interest.
In this environment, every procedural disagreement becomes a flashpoint, and every contentious decision is viewed not through the lens of the law, but through the lens of political advantage. As a result, parliamentary rules—which should guide conduct—are either ignored, selectively enforced, or weaponised to serve factional goals.
Enforcing the Rules Without Fear or Favour
One of the clearest ways to restore sanity is to strengthen and enforce the Standing Orders. Parliament already has the tools to discipline errant members, but enforcement has been inconsistent.
The Speaker must be empowered—and willing—to uphold these rules impartially. MPs who breach decorum should face real consequences: reprimands, withdrawal of privileges, or suspensions. When rules are applied consistently, they not only punish misconduct but deter it.
Leadership Must Lead
The Majority and Minority caucus leaders must take responsibility for managing their members. Leadership should not merely direct strategy on the floor; it must also enforce discipline internally. Too often, leaders appear complicit—if not encouraging—when misconduct seems politically advantageous.
If parliamentary leaders agree to prioritise decorum, many confrontations can be defused at the caucus level long before they explode publicly.
The Need for Cross-Party Dialogue
Ghana’s Parliament urgently needs mechanisms that foster dialogue rather than confrontation. This includes bipartisan committees dedicated to internal relations, closed-door mediation for contentious matters, and regular retreats where MPs can engage outside the heated environment of the chamber.
Trust is built through conversation, not conflict. A Parliament where MPs rarely interact except to trade accusations will always be volatile.
Capacity-Building and Political Maturity
Many new MPs enter Parliament without legislative experience. This makes continuous training essential—on parliamentary etiquette, conflict management, constitutional responsibilities, and the ethics of public office.
But beyond training, Ghana needs a deeper cultural shift. Parliament must rediscover the political maturity that once made it a respected institution. Disagreement is the soul of democracy; disorder is not.
Citizens Must Demand Better
Finally, public pressure matters. Civil society and the media must continue to shine a light on misconduct and push for reforms. The public must hold MPs accountable not only for how they vote, but also for how they behave. Parliamentary accountability cannot end at the ballot box.
Conclusion: A Parliament That Governs Itself Can Govern a Nation
The confrontation over the Kpandai seat is not an isolated occurrence—it is a warning. If Ghana’s Parliament continues down this path, the consequences for governance, public trust, and democratic stability will be severe.
Ghana needs a Parliament that models the values it seeks to legislate: order, respect, transparency, and dialogue. The time for excuses is over. It is long past time for Parliament to put its house in order—literally and figuratively.
