Former Deputy Finance Minister and Atiwa East MP Abena Osei-Asare has called on President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider provisions of the Cocoa Board Amendment Bill, arguing that the government’s overwhelming majority in Parliament should be used to advance the national interest rather than pass legislation that could adversely affect citizens.
Addressing supporters at the New Patriotic Party’s “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration on Thursday, August 6, the former minister said the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) two-thirds majority in Parliament carries significant responsibility and should not be used to push through laws without adequate public consideration.
She noted that Ghana’s constitutional framework did not anticipate a situation where a single political party would command such a dominant parliamentary majority, making it even more important for the government to exercise restraint.
“The people of Ghana have given one party a two-thirds majority. It may not have been envisaged by the Constitution, but it has happened,” she said.
According to Ms Osei-Asare, such political strength must be exercised responsibly and in a manner that promotes the welfare of all Ghanaians.
She urged the government to revisit the recently passed Cocoa Board Amendment Bill, expressing concern over provisions she said require cocoa farmers to obtain approval from the Ghana Cocoa Board before changing the use of their farms.
The Atiwa East legislator argued that the requirement raises important questions about property rights and the extent of state control over privately owned agricultural land.
She questioned whether farmers should be considered to have acted unlawfully simply because they decide to convert their cocoa farms to other lawful uses without first obtaining official permission.
Appealing directly to President Mahama, Ms Osei-Asare said the legislation could still be amended if concerns raised by stakeholders are taken into account.
She cited the recent amendment of another piece of legislation, which she described as evidence that Parliament can revisit laws when legitimate issues are identified after their passage.
“Mr President, come again. We can amend this law,” she appealed.
The former Deputy Finance Minister maintained that the government’s parliamentary majority should be used to strengthen democracy, protect citizens’ rights and enact laws that support national development rather than create unnecessary restrictions.
She urged the President to listen to concerns surrounding the legislation and ensure that the authority granted by Ghanaians through the party’s parliamentary majority is exercised in a manner that serves the broader public interest.
Ms Osei-Asare concluded by calling on the government to use its legislative strength responsibly, saying the country’s democratic institutions would be strengthened when Parliament prioritises the welfare and rights of the people.
