The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has advocated for the establishment of a third force to potentially disrupt the prevailing political duopoly dominated by the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party.
According to him, this development would bolster Ghana’s democratic system through enhanced political competition.
During a Political Inclusion and Consensus Building Forum organised by the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) on Wednesday, February 18, Bagbin reviewed Ghana’s political trajectory since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1992.
He reminisced about attending the inaugural congress of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Cape Coast, highlighting the diverse representation from across the country that fostered a strong sense of unity and national identity.
He also mentioned attending congresses of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) by invitation, where he noted a similar spirit of engagement and inclusivity.
He voiced concerns that Ghana’s political landscape has progressively narrowed, becoming dominated by two major parties.
“Now, we seem to have only two strong, vibrant, surviving parties,” he said. “For me, I think we need a third force.”
At the same event, the Speaker took a swipe at the two parties for failing to field women as candidates in the upcoming Ayawaso East by-election scheduled for March 3, 2026.
According to him, he had hoped that at least one party would present a woman as its parliamentary candidate.
“Political parties are the gateways to representation. Parliament is the arena where representation becomes decision-making. Therefore, inclusion must begin in parties and mature in Parliament,” he said.
“I was waiting for any party to have fielded a female candidate in the Ayawaso East by-election. I will personally support the candidate because we need more of our women in Parliament. Unfortunately, the parties have disappointed me,” he added.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
