Former CEO Of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, has accused the Mahama administration of abusing its Executive power.
His criticism comes after Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed that no memorandum of understanding (MoU) had been signed, nor had Parliament approved the acceptance of 14 West African deportees from the United States and the 40 more that are expected.
According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the first 14 detainees have arrived in Ghana and would be accommodated temporarily before being returned to their home countries.
Samuel Ablakwa defended the decision, explaining that it was an administrative MoU, which in his view did not require parliamentary ratification.
Speaking on Joy News on September 19, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah described the move as a continuation of government’s pattern of overstepping its political mandate.
“It’s not right,” he said.
He explained, “You sign it (MoU), send it to parliament for formal approval. This is what all parliaments do. When parliament approves it, then you can effect the provisions in the MoU which is bringing those 14 detainees or the additional 40.”
He argued that the decision reflects a broader disregard for Ghana’s governance system.
“It’s clear. This speaks to the government’s continuous disregard for the other arms of government. They are just abusing their executive powers.”
Mr. Nkansah went on to cite some reasons why he is making these claims.
“You’ve removed the Chief Justice, you want to weaken the judiciary, and when it comes to the legislature too you have two-thirds already,” he noted.
Mr. Nkansah emphasized that Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution requires all international agreements to be ratified by Parliament before implementation.
“Just follow the formal approval processes of ratifying such international agreements. Whether it is an MoU, a treaty, an agreement, an international loan or whatever, once it is international in nature, Article 75 stipulates that it must go to parliament for ratification before the provisions are implemented,” he emphasized.
He further urged the government to admit its error and take the agreement to Parliament for approval.
