Executive Director of the African Center for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Rasheed Dramani, has called for an urgent review of Parliament’s Standing Orders to allow for stricter punishment against Members of Parliament who obstruct investigations or engage in misconduct.
His call follows Speaker Alban Bagbin’s recent expression of disappointment over the inability of MPs to identify the colleague responsible for the controversial “daughter of the murderer” comment.
“It’s about time that this issue is brought to a conclusion,” Dr Dramani stated.
“The Speaker has an opportunity to make history if he decides to bring on the full force of measures on members.”
Dr Dramani warned that continued inaction would only deepen the public’s mistrust in Parliament and the broader democratic process.
“If we cannot declare their seats vacant as the Standing Orders say, then we should revise them,” he urged.
Criticizing the conduct of some MPs, he said, “They are deepening the mistrust people have in politics and further the people elect to lead us.”
He stressed that such behaviour not only undermines parliamentary integrity but also fuels the growing public perception that politicians are above accountability.
“It’s about time this issue is dealt with decisively,” he concluded.
