Use extortion allegations to restore public trust – Dr. Osae-Kwapong to Parliament

Democracy and Development Fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Dr John Osae-Kwapong, has called on Parliament to use the ongoing extortion allegations as an opportunity to restore public confidence in the institution.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Dr Osae-Kwapong said Parliament must be mindful of growing public concerns about its image and demonstrate that it takes the allegations seriously.

He stressed that MPs should look beyond partisan interests and approach the matter objectively, while ensuring that no individual is declared guilty without due process.

“Every institution has its moment of reckoning. Hopefully, if these Members of Parliament are fully aware of the public perception of the institution, they would seize this opportunity to try and say, ‘We need to restore the image of Parliament.’”

Dr Osae-Kwapong urged lawmakers to put aside partisan solidarity and give Ghanaians confidence that the allegations would be treated with the seriousness they deserve.

“Look beyond the partisan divide, the partisan solidarity, and really try and give some assurance to the people of Ghana that, ‘We do take these issues seriously, that we can put our partisan defences aside and look at it dispassionately.’”

He, however, cautioned against using any parliamentary process to pronounce individuals guilty when they have not been found culpable.

“I’m not saying that if someone is not guilty, they should have a committee and pronounce them guilty, no.”

According to him, Parliament’s handling of the matter could determine whether public confidence in the institution is strengthened or further weakened.

“Because if we miss this opportunity, then where does that leave us? It just, again, reinforces the public perception of Parliament.”