The Member of Parliament representing the Abuakwa South Constituency in the Eastern Region, Samuel Atta Akyea, has voiced his disagreement with the idea of MPs being required to resign from their positions if they express aspirations for future political roles.
He emphasized that MPs should not be viewed as automatons incapable of reassessing their political trajectories or seeking new opportunities.
Atta Akyea made these comments during an appearance on PM Express on Joy News on October 15, 2024. His remarks were prompted by discussions within Parliament regarding certain MPs who had declared their intentions to run as independent candidates in the upcoming 2024 parliamentary elections.
He argued that such declarations should not be interpreted as disloyalty to their political parties. Additionally, he stated that Members of Parliament should be permitted to communicate their future plans without it impacting their current positions.
Referring to a statement by the Second Deputy Speaker, Atta Akyea highlighted that the primary issue is that these MPs are articulating their future intentions. As of now, they have not expressed a desire to leave their current location for another destination. Would my present standing be impacted by revealing my future plans? I have not yet announced any intention to switch parties.
The Member of Parliament stressed the importance of distinguishing between existing obligations and upcoming objectives.
We are simply stating that they have not switched parties at this time. In the present Parliament, it is clarified that members did not enter with sponsorship from the NPP or as independents only to switch parties or become independent later.
The notion that future aspirations should lead to immediate consequences, such as ousting MPs from their roles, is strongly rejected as it equates to dehumanizing lawmakers.
Samuel Atta Akyea argued against prematurely judging MPs based on speculative actions, emphasizing the ability for intentions to evolve. He underscored the importance of preserving flexibility in political decision-making processes, cautioning against rigid interpretations of parliamentary norms.
Atta Akyea’s perspective underscores the broader issue of parliamentary independence and freedom of expression, advocating for MPs to be able to think, express intentions, and modify positions without facing premature reprisals.
