Parliament Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has urged Members of Parliament to ensure that the upcoming Akwatia by-election is conducted in a peaceful and respectful manner.
Speaking in the House after swearing in the new MP for Ablekuma North on Tuesday, Speaker Bagbin emphasized the importance of civility in Ghana’s political processes, including elections and parliamentary debates.
He expressed concern over the rising tension and increasingly aggressive conduct observed both in Parliament and on the campaign trail, noting that confrontational language and tone are becoming too common.
“Let’s remove totally the issue of violence from our lives, particularly our political lives — not only in elections but also in the House when you are making submissions,” he urged.
Bagbin appealed to MPs to lead by example, encouraging them to tone down their rhetoric and work together in a spirit of unity and responsibility.
“I am just using this opportunity to touch your hearts. So let’s tone down and continue to work together,” he added.
Referring to the recent by-election in Ablekuma North, which was marred by political tension, the Speaker expressed hope that the upcoming Akwatia by-election would be conducted with greater decorum.
“What God has decreed, nobody can do anything about it. So please, I hope in the next by-election, we will have a more peaceful election than we had in Ablekuma North.”
