Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has appealed to Members of Parliament to uphold peace and mutual respect ahead of the upcoming by-election in Akwatia.
Addressing the House, Speaker Bagbin condemned the rising hostility in political discourse and parliamentary proceedings.
“Let’s remove totally, the issue of violence from our lives, particularly our political lives not only the elections but also in the House when you are making submissions”.
The Speaker noted that intemperate language and aggressive posturing have become common in the chamber, lamenting the shift from earlier parliamentary decorum.
“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”.
He further encouraged MPs to lead with civility and unity, appealing to their moral conscience and sense of national responsibility.
“I am just using this opportunity to touch your hearts. So let’s tone down and continue to work together.”
Reflecting on the recent tensions surrounding the Ablekuma North by-election, Bagbin expressed hope that the Akwatia contest would be more peaceful.
“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.”
