I disagree with the Constitution on the prohibition of chiefs from politics -Alban Bagbin

Alban Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, says he disagrees with the 1992 Constitutional provision prohibiting chiefs from actively engaging in politics.

He contends that because chiefs are the guardians of the land, it should be possible to provide room for them to participate actively in national politics alongside religious figures and civil society organizations.

As part of Parliament’s 30th anniversary celebration, the Speaker paid a courtesy call on Ya-Naa Abukari II, the King of Dagbon, on Tuesday, June 13.

While acknowledging traditional leaders’ contributions to the nation’s prosperity, the Speaker stated that he disagrees with the 1992 Constitution’s prohibition on chiefs engaging in active politics.

“The real leadership of our society are the traditional rulers and so how can we run a government when we say that the true leaders of the society should not participate in governance.”

“This is a clear indication from me that I don’t agree with the 1992 Constitution on the prohibition of chiefs from politics, whatever that means, the Supreme Court has trouble to explain it to us.”

He called for a rethink into that provision to allow chiefs, religious leaders and civil society groups to contribute to the politics of the country.

“I want us to look at the possibility of creating space for our chiefs, religious leaders and civil society leaders to play active politics in this country.”

The Speaker, as part of activities marking 30 years of Parliament’s uninterrupted democracy under the Fourth Republic, is meeting with some prominent chiefs in the northern regions.

Alban Bagbin is expected to end his tour of the north with a visit to the Yagbonwura, the Wa Naa and the Navro pio.