Former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, has expressed concerns that the Executive's intimidation of opposition members undermines the principle of separation of powers in Ghana. He emphasized that parliamentary privilege and constitutional protections must be respected, regardless of the political party involved. According to Prof. Oquaye, protecting parliamentary privilege is crucial to maintaining the constitutional balance between the arms of government.
Prof. Oquaye made these remarks while explaining his handling of a case involving former MP for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, who was wanted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor during his tenure as Speaker. He said his intervention was based on the need to protect Mr Ayariga's constitutional rights, rather than partisan considerations. Prof. Oquaye stressed that his actions were not influenced by party loyalty.
The former Speaker revealed that he invited the then Special Prosecutor to an open meeting to ensure that the matter was handled in accordance with the Constitution. He also supported his actions with a letter for the records, to prevent abuse of Mr Ayariga's rights. Prof. Oquaye's actions demonstrate his commitment to upholding the Constitution and protecting the rights of parliamentarians.
Prof. Oquaye further explained that his ruling on the matter was based on a thorough analysis of parliamentary privilege, including its history and development in England. He highlighted the importance of strengthening parliamentary privilege to prevent infractions. By doing so, Prof. Oquaye aimed to ensure that the rights of parliamentarians are safeguarded.
The principle of separation of powers is essential in Ghana's democratic system, as it ensures that each arm of government performs its functions independently. Prof. Oquaye's comments serve as a reminder to the Executive to respect the independence of the Legislative and Judicial branches. His statements have sparked a national conversation about the importance of upholding the Constitution.
Prof. Oquaye's concerns about executive intimidation of opposition members are timely, given the current political climate in Ghana. His warnings are a call to action for the Executive to refrain from using state institutions to silence opposition members. By doing so, the Executive can help maintain the integrity of Ghana's democratic institutions.
In conclusion, Prof. Oquaye's statements emphasize the need for the Executive to respect the separation of powers and parliamentary privilege. His actions, while Speaker, demonstrate his commitment to upholding the Constitution and protecting the rights of parliamentarians. As Ghana continues to consolidate its democracy, Prof. Oquaye's warnings serve as a reminder of the importance of respecting the constitutional balance of power.
Key points
- Executive intimidation of opposition members undermines Ghana's separation of powers.
- Prof. Oquaye emphasizes the importance of protecting parliamentary privilege.
- The former Speaker's actions demonstrate his commitment to upholding the Constitution.
