Haruna Iddrisu’s Motion: A Waste of Everyone’s Time Amid Urgent National Issues
In a scathing critique, former MP Ras Mubarak has described the recent motion by former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu as a “bizarre and shocking frolic” that diverts attention from far more pressing national concerns. The motion, aimed at removing four MPs who are contesting as independent candidates in the upcoming December 2024 elections, was labeled by Mubarak as an unnecessary distraction that wastes Parliament’s time and energy.
Mubarak expressed his disappointment at the timing of the motion, especially with the December elections just weeks away. He argued that the motion ignored more critical national issues that should be occupying the attention of every elected Member of Parliament, particularly those in opposition. “The NDC is facing an election in a few weeks, and yet we’re wasting time on removing four rogue MPs instead of focusing on the real issues affecting Ghanaians,” Mubarak remarked.
He pointed out that, with 52 days until the election, the removal of the four MPs would not lead to any significant outcome, as no by-elections would be held before the general election. “What electoral fortune does this motion hold? How does removing four MPs solve the bigger issues facing the country, like the Electoral Commission’s biased handling of the upcoming elections?” he questioned.
Mubarak emphasized that the NDC and its MPs should be concentrating on reining in the Electoral Commission (EC) to ensure a free and fair election, given the clear concerns over its impartiality. He stressed that this should be the priority, not internal squabbles within the party that have little impact on the broader electoral landscape.
“The first act by the Minority should have been to hold the Electoral Commissioner accountable, not to chase after MPs who have decided to go independent,” Mubarak said. He further lamented the missed opportunities for Parliament to address urgent national issues such as the rising road accidents, environmental degradation, and the government’s economic mismanagement under President Akufo-Addo.
Mubarak also pointed out the inconsistency in Haruna Iddrisu’s sudden commitment to defending the constitution. He recalled how, in 2022, when several MPs blatantly violated the constitution by absenting themselves from Parliament without permission, the former Minority Leader did little to push for their removal, despite it being a clear constitutional breach. “Where was this energy when MPs like Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo and others were violating the constitution? The hypocrisy is glaring,” Mubarak added.
With only three months left in the life of this Parliament, Mubarak warned that time is running out for the NDC to focus on what truly matters—ensuring a credible election and addressing the real challenges facing Ghanaians. “We are going into a difficult election, and instead of focusing on the Electoral Commissioner and the many pressing issues, we are wasting time on a pointless motion that offers no real political benefit,” he said.
In conclusion, Ras Mubarak called Haruna Iddrisu’s motion a complete waste of time, urging the NDC to prioritize the upcoming election and the critical national issues that need urgent attention. “We can’t afford to take our eyes off the ball. This is injury-time gymnastics that will not help the NDC or Ghanaians,” Mubarak concluded.
