Put partisan agenda aside and use alternative dispute resolution for Parliamentary standoff - Prof Agyeman-Duah

Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah, a political scientist and Senior Fellow at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has urged Ghanaian leaders to put national unity ahead of party interests. 

He advocated for the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to help reduce the growing tension between parliament and the judiciary, which he says could endanger the country’s democratic stability. 

He made this comment when he appeared as a panellist on Joy FM’s newsfile programme on Saturday, November 9, 2024.

Prof. Agyeman-Duah explained that the current standoff, marked by accusations of interference and a lack of consultation between government branches, risks eroding public trust in democratic institutions. 

With elections approaching, he stressed that leaders should set aside rigid legal positions and partisan agenda in favour of a collaborative approach that serves the nation.

“This situation calls for alternative dispute resolution,” he stated. “Sticking strictly to legal battles will only deepen divisions. Leaders need to prioritise the country’s welfare and find a workable solution.”

This unprecedented clash between parliament and the judiciary, with both sides claiming interference, is a new and concerning development. Prof. Agyeman-Duah also pointed out that the executive branch’s silence, apart from limited involvement by the Attorney-General has done little to ease the crisis.

“Every side shares responsibility here,” he added. “We need to see genuine consultation and cooperative action to maintain democratic stability. These issues are not just legal—they’re also deeply political and need careful, collaborative solutions.”

Prof. Agyeman-Duah warned that if left unresolved, this political impasse could harm Ghana’s democratic progress. He also referenced recent international findings, such as the Mo Ibrahim Index, which showed a drop in Ghana’s scores for judicial impartiality and rule of law.