Running mate of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), Mr. Jodi Asamoah-Siaw has slammed individuals who have refused to see the importance for eligible voters of Satrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) to vote for a parliamentarian to represent them.
He says the refusal to allow these voters to vote for a representative in parliament was deliberate and a selfish political interest by some persons.
He noted no amount of partisan parochial interest can justify the human rights abuse of the residents in these communities.
“I am of the view that no amount of administrative oversight or error, legal technicalities, deliberate gerrymandering and partisan parochial pursuit can justify the denial of the SALL people their right to representation in the 8th parliament of Ghana. Their right to be represented in the 8th parliament is non-negotiable.”
Mr. Asamoah-Siaw added he is happy the Supreme Court will hear the matter today as believes the issue wold be resolved.
“The right to vote and to be represented in a Republic is a right under the Constitution and inherent in a democracy.
I am therefore happy that the Supreme Court (SC) is seized with the matter of the SALL people for a determination, declarations and consequent orders. The whole country waits patiently for the outcome of the case at the Supreme Court.”
Read the full statement below
The SALL People & the National Interest
I have engaged friends, colleagues, politicians, journalists and a number of ordinary people in a discussion, debate or argument on the matter of the disenfranchisement of the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lolobi and Likpe (SALL).
Two groups of people have emerged from these encounters. Group A is made up of people who are of the view that it is okay for the country to move on “even if” the SALL people did not get or do not get the opportunity to vote and be represented in the 8th parliament from January, 2021.
The second group (Group B) are of the view that, the SALL people must be represented in parliament by all means from January 2021. I share the view of this latter group because that is what I believe will be in the national interest. I gather that the former group (Group A) are placing their parochial political party interest high and above that of the national interest.
I am of the view that no amount of administrative oversight or error, legal technicalities, deliberate gerrymandering and partisan parochial pursuit can justify the denial of the SALL people their right to representation in the 8th parliament of Ghana. Their right to be represented in the 8th parliament is non-negotiable.
Article 42 is at the core of the concept of sovereignty – the bedrock of our nation-state. Article 42 states: Every citizen of Ghana of eighteen years of age or above and of sound mind has the right to vote and is entitled to be registered as a voter for the purposes of public elections and referenda. This right is reinforced by article 33. Article 33(5) is the last clause under Chapter Five which contains the Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms. Clause 5 of article 33 states that: “The rights, duties, declarations and guarantees relating to the fundamental human rights and freedoms specifically mentioned in this Chapter shall not be regarded as excluding others not specifically mentioned which are considered to be inherent in a democracy and intended to secure the freedom and dignity of man.”
The right to vote and to be represented in a Republic is a right under the Constitution and inherent in a democracy.
I am therefore happy that the Supreme Court (SC) is seized with the matter of the SALL people for a determination, declarations and consequent orders. The whole country waits patiently for the outcome of the case at the Supreme Court.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com
