Minority Must Resist Rubber-Stamp Politics — Dr. Rasheed Draman Warns Against Parliamentary Complacency
By Maurice Otoo
The Executive Director of Africa Center for Parliamentary Affairs, ACEPA, Dr. Rasheed Draman, has cautioned against the dangers of overwhelming majorities in Parliament, warning that such dominance could encourage “rubber-stamping” and weaken democratic accountability.
Speaking on the performance and conduct of Ghana’s Ninth Parliament, Dr. Draman said that while majority control is common in parliamentary systems, it carries the potential for abuse if minority voices are sidelined.
“There is potential for abuse, rubber stamping, and complacency,” he stressed, urging lawmakers to maintain a healthy balance between governance and accountability.
According to him, the Minority in Parliament still has a constitutional duty to scrutinize government decisions, despite its numerical disadvantage.
“The minority can discharge its work dutifully despite its numbers,” he noted.
Dr. Draman also criticized what he described as excessive walkouts by lawmakers, saying parliamentary protests must not obstruct governance.
“They have been vocal, but must not obstruct the government. The walkouts are becoming many,” he stated.
He further argued that opposition parties become more appealing to the public when they strike a balance between criticism and constructive engagement.
“If you want to make your case appealing, you should be balanced in holding the government accountable,” he added.
Assessing the performance of the opposition during the first sitting of the second session of the Ninth Parliament, Dr. Draman said they “did not excel but also did not totally fail.”
Touching on the broader quality of parliamentary work, the ACEPA boss observed that although MPs’ educational qualifications have improved compared to previous parliamentary eras, dedication and commitment have declined.
He attributed the situation partly to the growing monetization of Ghanaian politics.
“Attention has moved from affecting society to recouping investments that granted them access into Parliament,” he lamented.
Dr. Draman also reflected on past parliamentary generations, noting that some earlier lawmakers entered Parliament with little formal understanding of legislative procedures yet demonstrated strong revolutionary commitment and public service.
