Institute Immediate Investigations into military invasion of parliament – CDG-GH

The Caucus for Democratic Governance, Ghana (GH-GH),  has called on the government to as a matter of urgency institute an immediate investigation into the invasion of parliament by armed men from the Ghana Armed Forces.

Military men numbering about 30 invaded parliament in the early hours of 7th January 2021 when the lawmakers were stuck in a state of confusion, arguments, and scuffles over the election of a speaker.

While calling for immediate investigations into the invasion of parliament by the military, the  CDG-GH believes what happened on the floor of parliament did not give Ghana a good name.

The invasion of the chamber of parliament according to the Think-tank is “a blatant  disregard for the Constitution.”  The CDG-GH in a press release copied to Newsghana24.com indicated that “Any such invasion of Parliament is wrong, and  can only be considered as Coup de tat.”

On the night, the singular act of Carlos Ahenkorah who shocking was seen running away with ballot papers continues to raise many questions. The CDG-GH is of the view that what transpired during the December 7th elections was summarized by what happened during the first day in parliament under the 8th parliament in the 4th republic.

According to the CDG-GH, the acts of Carlos Ahenkora, Member of Parliament for Tema West constituency, cannot be overlooked.

“The criminal offense of “dishonourable” Carlos Ahenkora cannot be overlooked. There must be detailed Parliamentary investigation,” it said.

The Think-tank is of the view that “vigilance is absolutely necessary, to preventing future Governments from disregarding the Constitution and from denying  the people  their right to elect their preferred leadership.”

Ghanaians are waiting to see if there will be immediate investigations into the invasion of parliament by the military and if Carlos Ahenkora, Member of Parliament for Tema West constituency will be made to face the law for engaging in the act of ballot paper snatching.

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Below is the full press release.

CAUCUS FOR DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE, GHANA(CDG-GH)
PRESS RELEASE
11th January 2021

WE WANT IMMEDIATE PARLIAMENTARY INVESTIGATION ON INVASION IN PARLIAMENT
Caucus for Democratic Governance, Ghana (GH-GH), was shocked to see armed Police and Army invading Parliament on 7th January during business. This is a blatant disregard for the Constitution. The Legislature, Executive and Judiciary are the three arms of Government. Their rights and norms are enshrined in the Constitution. Any such invasion of Parliament is wrong, and can only be considered as Coup d’état. Will the President and Executive take it lightly when the Flagstaff House is invaded by Armed men sent by the Legislature? That will also be a coup d’état.

It was shocking to see a whole member of Parliament running away with ballot papers; symptomatic of what happened during the general election. Ballot boxes were carried away during the 2020 general election, and nothing happened. Eight people were killed during the election and nothing happened ; so Carlos Ahenkorah believes he can snatch ballot boxes and escape the arms of the law because he has a “clearing agent”. Is this the democracy we pride ourselves in? Is this the rule of law we know?

The criminal offence of “dishonourable” Carlos Ahenkora cannot be over looked. There must be detailed Parliamentary investigation. Certainly the future of Ghana and our democracy is more important than ever before.
CDG-GH therefore holds the view, that vigilance is absolutely necessary, to preventing future Governments from disregarding the Constitution and from denying the people their right to elect their preferred leadership.
Military dictatorship robbed in corruption and Clan leadership should not be allowed in Ghana.

Dr E.K. Hayford
Executive Director, CDG-GH
0277606338