Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has condemned recent electoral violence, warning that such acts tarnish the integrity of Ghana’s democratic process.
Addressing Parliament on Thursday, July 24, Bagbin emphasized the need for a national conversation on electoral-related incidents.
His remarks came in response to a statement by Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh on violence that marred the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun.
“Electoral violence takes away the shine of our democracy. It’s not something we can gloss over,” Bagbin told lawmakers.
The Speaker proposed a dedicated parliamentary debate to deliberate on the issue and its implications for future elections, adding that lawmakers must take the lead in protecting Ghana’s democratic values.
However, tensions flared when Annoh-Dompreh attempted to raise the issue before the mid-year budget presentation. Bagbin urged him to wait, prompting the Minority to walk out in protest.
“We cannot participate in this process while such violence remains unaddressed,” Annoh-Dompreh declared.
