The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, popularly known as Joe Wise, has expressed disappointment over the performance and conduct of Members of Ghana’s 8th Parliament, citing a decline in legislative productivity and an increase in unnecessary controversies.
Speaking in an interview with Citi News, Mr. Osei-Owusu voiced concerns about the current Parliament’s inability to fulfill its primary mandate of lawmaking, noting that the legislative output has fallen short of the standards set by previous parliaments.
“I am disappointed in the 8th Parliament, generally,” Joe Wise said. “We have done very little in terms of legislation. If you compare the number of laws passed during the last four years with previous Parliaments, you’ll see that this has been the least productive.”
The Deputy Speaker highlighted that instead of prioritizing legislative responsibilities, MPs have been embroiled in unproductive disputes, which have hindered the progress of important bills and lawmaking processes.
Beyond the legislative shortcomings, Joe Wise expressed deep concern over the lack of unity and civility within the House. He noted that disagreements that were once resolved through dialogue and negotiations have increasingly escalated into physical altercations, creating an unhealthy atmosphere in Parliament.
The 8th Parliament has been marked by several incidents of heated confrontations, with notable disputes over budget approvals and parliamentary procedures. These incidents, according to Joe Wise, reflect a broader decline in the ability of MPs to engage constructively and focus on their responsibilities to the country.
As Ghana continues to grapple with pressing legislative needs, the First Deputy Speaker’s comments serve as a call for MPs to refocus on their core duties and work towards a more collaborative and productive legislative term.
The 8th Parliament, which features a near-equal split between the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has faced significant challenges in fostering cooperation. The current tensions have raised concerns about whether Parliament can meet its legislative targets in the years ahead.
Joe Wise’s criticism underscores the urgency for a change in approach, calling for MPs to rise above partisan conflicts and work together to advance the interests of the nation.
