Accra: Madam Patricia Appiagye, Deputy Minority Leader, has accused the government of operating on an alleged ‘autopilot’ and ignoring the suffering and insecurity engulfing the country. Delivering an opening remark at the Second Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament, on the Floor of Parliament on Tuesday, the Deputy Leader highlighted several pressing issues, including the alleged erosion of judicial independence, abuse of state power, and economic mismanagement.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Appiagye emphasized the need for legislative recommitment to the Constitution’s duty to serve the people of Ghana with honour, vigilance, and integrity. She expressed concerns over the Presidency’s alleged attempts to undermine judicial independence and described Ghana’s economy as struggling, with statutory funds like the District Assemblies Common Fund being starved, which has crippled essential services. She noted the resurgence of power outages, commonly known as dumsor, which remind Ghanaians of past severe power crises.
Madam Appiagye also expressed concern over the President’s efforts to remove the Chief Justice and allegedly pack the Supreme Court with loyalists. She condemned national security operatives for allegedly raiding homes of former appointees, MPs, and ordinary citizens with impunity.
Further, Madam Appiagyei, who is also the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Asokwa, highlighted the country’s alleged economic struggles, citing unpaid debts, abandoned infrastructure projects, and high prices. She demanded transparency and accountability in government, particularly regarding the Mahama Cares Initiative and presidential travel.
She insisted on a full account from the Minister for Foreign Affairs concerning the decision to close Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C. Additionally, she called for immediate and sustained action to address the humanitarian crisis along the coastline, a declaration of a state of emergency to tackle illegal mining, and transparency and accountability in government initiatives and expenditures.
