Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to ensure a peaceful and respectful by-election in Akwatia, urging them to refrain from any form of violence, whether verbal or physical.
Addressing Parliament after the swearing-in of the new MP for Ablekuma North, Bagbin emphasized the importance of maintaining civility in Ghana’s political processes, particularly during elections and parliamentary debates.
The Speaker expressed concern over the growing tension and aggressive conduct in both political arenas.
“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 stated.
He pointed out the increasingly hostile tone of parliamentary debates, noting that the language used by MPs has become confrontational.
“Most of the words you use are not only intemperate, but even how they are uttered shows violence. This House now is full of shouting.
That is not how we started the Fourth Republican Parliament,” Bagbin observed.
In his appeal to MPs, the Speaker called for a shift towards more constructive dialogue and collaboration, urging parliamentarians to lead by example.
“I am just using this opportunity to touch your hearts. So let’s tone down and continue to work together,” he added, stressing the need for national unity.
Bagbin also referred to the recent by-election in Ablekuma North, which was marred by tension, expressing hope that the upcoming Akwatia by-election will be conducted in a more peaceful and respectful manner.
“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,” he concluded.
 to ensure a peaceful and respectful by-election in Akwatia, urging them to refrain from any form of violence, whether verbal or physical.){kind=link}