The Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has publicly rejected the title “Honourable,” citing concerns about the behaviour of some Members of Parliament, which he feels tarnish the dignity of the legislative body.
Dr. Murtala expressed his disappointment with the conduct of certain members. He acknowledged that while some MPs uphold integrity and serve their constituents with dedication, others engage in behaviour that is unbecoming of their position.
“I do not wish to be called Honourable Murtala because the actions of some MPs are entirely dishonourable, and there is no pride in being associated with that title.
However, there are distinguished members who truly understand the role, who are thoughtful and committed to serving their constituents and upholding the law. Then, there are others you would not want to be associated with,” he said.
Dr. Murtala also addressed the frequent altercations in the parliamentary chamber, acknowledging that such conflicts are not unique to Ghana. He pointed to similar incidents in the Indian Parliament, the U.S. Congress, and the British Parliament, emphasizing that disagreements within legislative bodies are a common occurrence worldwide.
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed’s remarks come in the wake of recent controversies in Parliament, including accusations of name-calling. He addressed a particular incident where someone referred to another as the “daughter of a murderer,” explaining that the remark stemmed from a statement made in commemoration of J.B. Danquah.
In his comments, Dr. Murtala defended his controversial remarks about J.B. Danquah, which had sparked backlash.
He asserted that his statements were rooted in historical and political facts, citing works by Martin Meredith and Mahoney, as well as declassified CIA cables. “Facts are facts,” he emphasized.
“Attempts to obscure the true political history of this country with threats and tribal bigotry will not succeed.”
Dr. Murtala also pointed out that the individual who made the inflammatory statement did not even wish to be identified. “I didn’t make my statement in secret; I stood by it and owned it. So, if you have an issue with the statement, the problem is yours,” he said.
He further expressed his frustration with the selective outrage in Ghanaian politics. “This country sometimes feels like a joke. People make statements, and as long as we engage in politics, we should be open to criticism,” he stated.
