News:
May 22, 2026
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has thrown Parliament’s weight behind the judiciary following recent attacks from the Minority Leader, warning that consistency in defending judicial independence is essential for Ghana’s democratic stability.
Delivering his opening remarks at the commencement of the second meeting of the second session of the Ninth Parliament on Thursday, Ayariga cautioned New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin over what he described as criticism of the judicial branch.
“Recently, the judiciary has come under attack by no less a person than the NPP Minority Leader Hon Alexander Afenyo Markin,” Ayariga told the chamber. “Let me repeat a caution given by this very Minority Leader in this chamber that when you are not satisfied with a decision of a lower court you appeal and seek redress in the higher courts.”
He added pointedly: “In this day and age we must strive to be consistent because records are kept of whatever you have ever said.”
Ayariga then delivered a firm assurance: “I want to assure the judiciary that we on this side of the House have their backs.”
Heavy Legislative Schedule Ahead
The Majority Leader warned Members of Parliament to brace for a demanding session, revealing that the government is likely to propose multiple constitutional amendments flowing from the Constitution Review Committee’s work.
“A number of entrenched and non-entrenched provisions of our Constitution might be considered for amendment and this House will play a crucial role,” Ayariga said, noting that the government’s Position Paper would inform the specific proposals.
Democracy ‘A Work in Progress’
Ayariga characterized Ghana’s democratic journey as ongoing, saying: “Our democracy remains a work in progress. Even as we are applauded for doing so well, we seek perfection.”
He reminded colleagues that Parliament serves as more than a legislative body, calling it “the House where the hopes, aspirations, anxieties, and frustrations of the people are duly expressed” – from the farmer in Sombo and trader at Makola to the nurse in Hohoe and student in Bawku.
Regional Stability Concerns
Citing troubling developments across the sub-region, Ayariga urged accountable governance “with honesty, maturity, patriotism, and national unity.”
While acknowledging Ghana’s hard-won reputation for democratic stability, he emphasized that the nation’s democratic maturity has been built on “tolerance, dialogue and institutional resilience.”
A Call for Tangible Results
The Majority Leader struck a pragmatic tone, noting that public trust “is increasingly being measured not by speeches, but rather, by tangible improvements in the living conditions of the people we serve.”
He called on Parliament to rise above partisan divisions when national interest demands it, concluding: “We cannot fail them in this endeavour and the trust they repose in us must be the fuel that energizes us to do more for the country and its people. This is a sacred trust we must uphold.”
Ghanamps.com