In a TV3 report that has reignited one of Ghana’s most contentious political scandals, former Minority Leader and current Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, MP, vowed to reveal the identity of the individual who allegedly impersonated Dome-Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo during a critical 2021 parliamentary vote on the controversial 2022 budget and E-Levy bill.
This promise, made amid suspicions of foul play in Parliament, underscores deep-seated concerns about electoral fraud, democratic erosion, and the rule of law in Ghana, and collusion by the political class.
The incident dates back to December 2021, when an unidentified person, masked and resembling Safo, who was reportedly abroad, was spotted in her seat during the heated session.
The Minority, led by Haruna Iddrisu at the time, walked out in protest, but not before raising alarms about potential impersonation.
The controversy has just been fueled by Iddrisu’s recent reaffirmation of having “interesting evidence.” Now, as Education Minister under President John Mahama’s administration, Haruna’s position adds weight, and potential political motive, to his pledge.
Allowing a non-MP to vote under false pretenses strikes at the heart of Ghana’s democracy. Parliament’s decisions, including budget approvals, shape national policy and resource allocation.
An impostor’s vote invalidates proceedings, erode public trust, and set a dangerous precedent for electoral manipulation.
In a nation still suffering some level of collapse in trust in politicians, this act risks amplifying claims that the major parties are all the some corrupt bunch.
The very act of a non MP voting in Parliament could potentially lead to legal challenges against historic votes, and it would be interesting to see how such a scenario will play out in court.
Legally, such impersonation constitutes a serious crime under Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). Section 158 criminalizes personation (impersonation) as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment, while Section 132 addresses fraud by false pretense, which could apply here as a felony if it involves deceit for gain or to influence official acts, carrying harsher penalties of up to 10 years.
The very act of a non-MP entering the chamber is not just an affront to parliament but a constitutional breach under Article 93 of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates that only duly elected MPs can participate in proceedings.
Impersonation of a Member of Parliament is a criminal offence that strikes deep at the roots of our democratic governance, with no statute of limitations, allowing prosecution even years later.
Haruna Iddrisu’s admission of knowing the impersonator’s identity raises questions about his prolonged silence. As a lawyer and former Minority Leader, he was duty-bound under Section 22 of Act 29 to use “all reasonable means” to prevent a felony if aware of it in advance or during commission; a misdemeanor if neglected, punishable by up to three years.
By staying quiet for years, he could face accusations of misprision (concealing a crime) or even aiding and abetting, though prosecutions for such omissions are rare in political contexts.
The implications are profound: If Iddrisu withheld information for strategic reasons, perhaps to avoid escalating partisan conflict or to leverage it later, it highlights how politics can supersede legal duties.
This could damage his credibility as Education Minister, especially in a role modeling integrity for Ghana’s youth. For public interest, accountability and the credibility of parliament and our democracy generally, there has to be an independent probe into the matter. It is an issue that the OSP must take keen interest in as well.
In conclusion, the country needs to bring a closure to this saga, but it demands swift, impartial investigation by Parliament or the courts to restore faith in institutions. Ghana’s democracy thrives on transparency; anything less risks turning suspicion into systemic distrust. As the nation watches, the Education Minister’s next move could redefine accountability in the corridors of power.
End.
The Author is a writer, politician and a former Member of Parliament.
