Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has urged Ghanaian leaders to heed the recent unrest in Kenya as a warning, especially as the country prepares for a crucial election on December 7.
Bagbin emphasized the need for vigilance and proactive measures to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections, warning that Ghana is not immune to similar issues.
Speaking to journalists in Kumasi, Bagbin drew parallels between the political climates of Kenya and Ghana, stressing the importance of learning from Kenya’s experiences.
“We are not different from our brothers and sisters in Kenya, and so we have to take preemptive measures to prevent that from happening,” he stated.
To mitigate the risk of electoral violence, Bagbin has been actively engaging with key stakeholders, including the chairpersons of the Electoral Commission and the National Commission for Civic Education, traditional authorities, and the Chief Justice.
He also plans to discuss the matter with President Akufo-Addo to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
Bagbin highlighted the need to prioritize the nation’s interest over partisan politics.
“People sometimes take so many things for granted, including my colleagues in Parliament, but we all can bear witness that what happened in Kenya is now in Tanzania; it could be in Ghana, and I am not saying it will be in Ghana,” he cautioned.
He emphasized his commitment to Ghana’s democratic integrity, stating, “We must do all we can to make sure that the right person that Ghanaians want to lead the country, leads the country.”
