Retired Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba has criticised the current Parliament, accusing some legislators of placing partisan interests above the welfare of Ghanaians.
According to Justice Atuguba, some politicians are increasingly driven by party loyalty and political ambition rather than its constitutional responsibility to serve the interests of Ghanaians.
He made the remarks while delivering the keynote address on Thursday, July 16 at a public lecture held in honour of Justice D.F. Annan, the first Speaker of Parliament under the Fourth Republic.
“Truth is indivisible, except you are talking politically. I see this Parliament as standing for something else than the interest of Ghanaians. That’s how I see it,” he said.
Justice Atuguba argued that while some Members of Parliament remain committed to public service, others are more concerned with advancing their political careers by demonstrating loyalty to their parties and the sitting President.
“Some of them are good, but others are immersed in loyalty to the party and to whoever for the time being is President, manoeuvring to progress along the political ladder irrespective of honesty, fairness and good service to the people of Ghana,” he stated.
He described the situation as a political “tug of war” that undermines Parliament’s ability to effectively represent the interests of citizens.
Justice Atuguba stressed that his comments were not intended to disparage Parliament but to draw attention to what he believes is a worrying trend in Ghana’s democratic governance.
“I am not saying these things out of spite, not at all, but it is necessary because the ship of state has tilted very ominously. As I said, all is not lost; there are some people who are good politicians,” he added.
