The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Kwetey, has cautioned President Akufo-Addo to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could precipitate uncontrollable consequences.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, July 4, Fifi Kwetey admonished Akufo-Addo to draw lessons from the recent events in Kenya and refrain from abusing his power, lest he risk sparking a chain reaction of unbridled protests and unrest.
Fifi Kwetey’s remarks come in response to the recommendation by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo for Akufo-Addo to nominate five new judges to the Supreme Court. The NDC General Secretary denounced what he described as the blatant abuse of power by President Akufo-Addo, expressing concerns over the potential erosion of democratic institutions and the rule of law.
He said the President’s over-zealous desire to control all arms of government poses a “grave danger to our democracy.”
He warned that the President’s aggressive attempts to exert control over all branches of government constitute a “grave danger” to the country’s democratic framework, undermining the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances, which are essential to ensuring accountability and good governance.
“Again, the naked abuse of power by President Akufo-Addo and his over-zealous desire to control all arms of government poses a grave danger to our democracy and governance arrangements. President Akufo-Addo must note that the ongoing happenings in Kenya serve as a reminder that there is a tolerable limit for the abuse and excesses of the Executive.”
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The Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has warned the political class to collaboratively take proactive measures to address public discontent to prevent agitations and protests.
Reflecting on the recent protests that rocked Kenya on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, July 3, the Effutu MP said the underlying causes of public discontent must be tackled collectively, irrespective of political affiliation.
“The recent Gen Z activism in Kenya serves as a striking warning. To prevent such scenarios in Ghana, it is imperative that the political class collaboratively take proactive and comprehensive measures to address the underlying causes of public discontent.
“Our preoccupation with political manoeuvring should not blind us to the reality of public expectations. Let us recommit to a national agenda that not only leverages the potential of our youth but also unlocks the massive development potential often associated with a demographic dividend.”
Ododiodiodio MP Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, who witnessed the Kenya protests and violence, also called for urgency in addressing the issue of youth unemployment.
“We should not be deceived. Yes, we can preach and preach and preach peace all the time. But when people think that the impunity of the political class is beyond their endurance, they will definitely react.
“Today, as we sit here, the perception out there is that the executive is corrupt. The judiciary has become a political pawn. We, the legislature, are selfish and uncaring and they have low expectations of our ability to fight for them. And that is a danger.”
