News:
July 16, 2026
Justice William Atuguba calls out Ninth Parliament for prioritizing party loyalty over national interest during memorial lecture for former Speaker D.F. Annan
Retired Supreme Court Justice William A. Atuguba has launched a stinging critique of Ghana’s lawmakers, accusing many Members of Parliament of placing personal ambitions and party interests above the welfare of the people they were elected to serve.
Delivering a memorial lecture in Parliament yesterday to mark the 20th anniversary of the death of former Speaker Rt. Hon. Justice Daniel Francis Annan, Justice Atuguba did not mince words about the state of Ghana’s legislative body.
“I see this Parliament as standing for something else than the interest of Ghana. That’s how I see it. Some of them are good. But others are a mess. A loyalty to the party and to the government for the time being is present.”
His remarks drew attention to what he described as a troubling disconnect between campaign promises and governing reality.
‘Power Belongs to the People‘
The retired judge took particular aim at politicians who engage in performative campaigning—drinking palm wine with locals, washing clothes, or pounding fufu—only to abandon their constituents once votes are secured.
“Power belonged to the people, not politicians,” Atuguba emphasized, warning that the pursuit of power without genuine commitment to public service undermines the very foundation of Ghanaian democracy.
He contrasted the current political climate with the legacy of Justice Annan, who served as Speaker from 1993 to 2001 and was known for his independence and unwavering integrity.
A Contrast in Values
Justice Atuguba described the self-serving conduct of some MPs as “unacceptable” and contrary to the selflessness demonstrated by the late Speaker, whose 20-year legacy the lecture was meant to celebrate.
“Democracy, Development, and National Unity: Celebrating the Enduring Legacy of Rt. Hon. Justice D.F. Annan”—the theme of the lecture—served as a backdrop for Atuguba’s call to return to the principles of integrity and service that defined Annan’s career.
The retired justice also extended his criticism to the judiciary, noting that the integrity and respect for the rule of law exemplified by Annan are “lacking in parts of the country’s judicial system.” He urged judges at all levels to emulate Annan’s example of remaining independent and uninfluenced by political actors or powerful individuals.
A Few Bright Spots
Despite his sharp criticism, Atuguba singled out some MPs for praise, including Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, MP for Klottey Korle, for demonstrating what he called “principled leadership and integrity” that reflect the values Justice Annan stood for.
Parliament Pays Tribute
The lecture, which drew a distinguished audience including Vice-President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, a representative of the Chief Justice, the Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, also featured remarks from current Speaker Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, Bagbin acknowledged Justice Annan’s enduring contributions to Ghana’s democratic institutions.
Clerk to Parliament Rev. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his welcome address, noted that Justice Annan demonstrated how “fairness and strict interpretation of parliamentary rules could coexist with patience, restraint and a commitment to consensus.”
The memorial lecture serves as a pointed reminder of the standards Ghanaians expect from their leaders—and the consequences when those standards are not met.
Ghanamps.com