By Daniel Bampoe
Member of Parliament for Akuapem North Constituency in the Eastern Region, Samuel Awuku, has described the overwhelming parliamentary majority secured by the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 general elections as one of the biggest political mistakes made by Ghanaians, warning that excessive legislative dominance by any political party poses a serious threat to constitutional democracy and democratic accountability.
Speaking to journalists in Parliament, the former National Lottery Authority (NLA) Director-General argued that while every elected government deserves a workable majority to implement its policies, no administration should be handed a two-thirds parliamentary majority capable of amending laws and exercising sweeping influence over key state institutions without effective checks and balances.
According to Sammi Awuku, the democratic system functions best when Parliament remains balanced enough to hold the Executive accountable, stressing that an overwhelming majority often breeds impunity and weakens democratic oversight.
“The biggest mistake we made in 2024 was giving the NDC a super majority. I wouldn’t even wish that for the NPP in the next general election,” he stated.
Sammi Awuku said his concerns were not driven by partisan politics but by the long-term health of the democracy.
He explained that regardless of which political party wins future elections, voters should ensure that Parliament remains competitive enough to promote accountability and prevent abuse of power.
“I would prefer that whichever party wins the elections is given a good majority to govern, but not an overwhelming majority where there is so much culture of impunity,” he argued.
The Akuapem North legislator pointed to recent constitutional controversies, including the process leading to the removal of the Chief Justice, as an example of what he believes happens when one political party enjoys overwhelming parliamentary dominance.
According to him, major constitutional decisions should be handled with utmost respect for due process rather than through what he described as politically driven actions backed by numerical strength in Parliament.
“I look at the way the Chief Justice was removed with absolutely no regard for even the processes, and I worry,” he remarked.
Sammi Awuku noted that Ghana has long moved beyond the era of military interventions and that democratic governance now depends entirely on the strength of constitutional institutions and the vigilance of citizens.
He therefore urged Ghanaians to use future elections to restore stronger parliamentary checks on executive power.
“We have moved beyond the military era. Today, democracy is our system, and my advice is that in future elections, whether it is the NPP or any other political party, don’t give any government a two-thirds majority that enables it to tamper with both the spirit and the letter of the Constitution,” he cautioned.
The former NPP National Organiser further expressed concern about what he described as increasing political interference within state institutions, particularly security and investigative agencies.
Without naming specific officials, Sammi Awuku alleged that some occupants of sensitive positions within the security architecture appear uncertain about their constitutional responsibilities, raising concerns about the administration of justice and the independence of state institutions.
He also criticised what he believes is the growing use of bail conditions and criminal investigations as political tools against opponents of the government.
According to him, such developments risk undermining public confidence in the country’s justice system and weakening democratic governance.
Sammi Awuku also addressed the arrest of young activists and government critics, warning that attempts to suppress dissent through arrests would not silence the youth.
He observed that today’s generation is highly connected through digital technology and social media, making it increasingly difficult for governments to intimidate or discourage public criticism.
“The danger with this government is that these Gen Zs were born with a handset. If you arrest one, you harden the resolve of many others,” he said.
He argued that young Ghanaians are demanding employment opportunities and economic transformation rather than intimidation by state institutions.
“They are asking for a 24-hour economy, not a 24-hour arrest. Instead of giving young people jobs, don’t give them jail sentences in return,” Sammi Awuku stated.
The Akuapem North MP’s comments add to growing criticism by the opposition New Patriotic Party over what it describes as the abuse of state institutions and the concentration of political power under the Mahama administration.
Since the NDC assumed office following the 2024 elections, opposition figures have repeatedly accused the government of targeting former officials of the Akufo-Addo administration through investigations and prosecutions.
Government officials, however, have consistently maintained that anti-corruption investigations are conducted independently and in accordance with the law.
