Parliamentary Misconduct: A National Disgrace That Must End

On Thursday, January 30, 2025, Ghana’s Parliament again became a battleground instead of a place of reasoned debate. What should have been a civil legislative session descended into an unfortunate scuffle between the majority National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the minority New Patriotic Party (NPP). Objects were thrown, tempers flared, and, most shamefully, this embarrassing spectacle unfolded live on national television for the entire world to see. This was not just another news item; it was a national disgrace, a painful moment of shame for a country that prides itself on being a beacon of democracy in Africa. It was a moment that should never have happened, yet it did, and it added to a growing list of similar events that continue to chip away at our collective dignity as a people.

Parliament is supposed to be the highest symbol of governance, a place where laws are made, policies are debated, and the future of our country is decided with wisdom, patience, and maturity. It is where the voices of the people, channeled through their elected representatives, should be heard in an atmosphere of respect, intellect, and responsibility. But what we witnessed on that shameful day was the complete opposite. What was meant to be a dignified chamber for democratic deliberations turned into a chaotic wrestling ground where the only thing being debated was who could shout the loudest or push the hardest. The anger, the aggression, the destruction of property—all played out in full view of millions of Ghanaians who sat in disbelief, wondering if these were truly the people they had entrusted with their votes. What message did this send to the ordinary Ghanaian? What did it tell that young boy or girl who, inspired by the idea of leadership, dreams of one day serving the nation in Parliament?

A child watching this unfold on live television did not see democracy at work. That child did not see elected leaders engaging in intellectual arguments, defending policies with evidence, or working together to find solutions to the pressing issues facing our country. That child saw grown men and women, with respectable standings in society, most of whom I respect highly, with the esteemed titles of honourable, behaving in a way that even schoolchildren would be punished for. That child, who is taught in school that conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect, saw the very opposite being practiced by the highest lawmakers of the land. What did we teach that child? That violence is an acceptable way to settle disputes? That brute force and shouting are more powerful than logic and diplomacy? That disorder is a normal part of governance? When young people lose faith in the system because they see their so-called leaders acting without decorum, can we truly blame them when they grow up to disrespect authority and disregard the very institutions we claim to hold sacred?

This was not the first time we have witnessed such misconduct in Parliament. In October 2024, MPs from both the NDC and NPP occupied the same majority side of Parliament, leading to heightened tensions and a near-violent confrontation. Before that, in 2021, chaos erupted over the election of the Speaker of Parliament, with members physically attacking each other in a show of complete lawlessness. This trend of disorder in our Parliament is no longer an isolated issue—it is becoming a culture, and that is the most frightening part. If this is what our leaders have normalized, what future are we creating for Ghana? If every disagreement in Parliament must end in physical confrontations, where does it stop? Are we waiting for the day when fists will no longer be enough, and weapons will be drawn instead? Are we waiting for a day when blood will be spilled in Parliament before we collectively agree that this madness must end?

This does not favor any individual or political party. It is not an issue of NDC versus NPP. It is a matter of national dignity. It is a matter of Ghana’s image, both to its citizens and to the world. It is a matter of responsibility and leadership. The people who are struggling to afford their next meal do not care which party wins an argument in Parliament; they care about policies that will improve their lives. The farmer battling poor road networks does not need political grandstanding; he needs better roads to transport his produce. The unemployed graduate searching for a future does not need MPs breaking chairs and throwing objects in Parliament; he needs job opportunities and an economy that works for him. While MPs are busy fighting, real problems remain unresolved. Every moment spent engaging in these shameful acts is a moment taken away from discussing how to improve the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.

We must get to a point where dialogue replaces violence, where leaders understand that the greater good of Ghana must always supersede personal or partisan interests. We must demand a higher standard of leadership, one that reflects the true aspirations of the people. Political parties must take responsibility for their members and enforce discipline when necessary. The Speaker of Parliament must wield his authority with firmness, ensuring that those who bring Parliament into disrepute face real consequences. Civil society and the media must continue to hold MPs accountable, refusing to let these incidents fade into history without real reforms. And most importantly, we as citizens must reject this behavior in every way possible. We must remind our leaders that we did not elect them to fight like schoolboys in a playground; we elected them to work for us, to serve the nation with honor and integrity. If they cannot do that, they have no business being in Parliament.

Ghana’s democracy has come too far for us to allow this rot to continue. We must rise above petty politics and put the nation first. We must insist on leadership that does not embarrass us on the world stage. We must send a clear message that violence, lawlessness, and misconduct have no place in our governance. And to our Honourable Members of Parliament, if you cannot conduct yourselves with dignity and respect, do the honourable thing—resign. Ghana deserves better. Our children deserve better. Our democracy deserves better.

In the words of the late Kofi Annan, "We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race." Let us remember this shared humanity as we work together for a better Ghana. Let us make our Parliament a house of wisdom, not a theatre of shame.

God bless our homeland Ghana and continue to make our nation great and strong.

#Puobabangna

   Comments0