Retired Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba has criticised the conduct of some Members of Parliament, accusing them of placing loyalty to their political parties and the sitting President above the interests of the Ghanaian people.
Speaking at the Memorial Lecture held in honour of the late Rt. Hon. Justice Daniel Francis Annan on Thursday, July 16, Justice Atuguba said Parliament, in its current state, was not adequately serving the people it was elected to represent.
According to him, while some legislators remain committed to the public good, others appear more interested in advancing their political careers than providing honest and selfless service.
“I see this Parliament as standing for something else than the interests of Ghanaians. That’s how I see it. Some of them are good, but others are immersed in loyalty to the party and to whoever, for the time being, is President, manoeuvring to progress along the political ladder irrespective of honesty, fairness, and good service to the people of Ghana,” he stated.
Justice Atuguba stressed that his comments were not motivated by personal bitterness but by concern over the direction of the country.
“I’m not saying this out of spite, not at all, but it’s necessary because the ship of state has tilted very, very ominously. Happily, I have to say, all is not lost,” he added.
The retired Supreme Court judge also criticised what he described as the changing attitude of politicians before and after elections.
He observed that many politicians become highly accessible and engage closely with ordinary citizens during election campaigns, only to distance themselves from the electorate after securing victory.
According to him, political leaders often portray themselves as humble and approachable while seeking votes, participating in everyday activities with constituents to win their confidence.
“Elections are coming, the politicians are free with everybody—drinking palm wine, pounding fufu, washing clothes—more than people of the people. As soon as the results come, their calls will not be picked, whether by the ministers or MPs,” he remarked.
Justice Atuguba questioned whether such conduct reflects the principles of representative democracy.
“What kind of life is this? Just a day before, we’re all one. Today, victory has come, you have not. I mean, is that how it should be?” he asked.
His remarks have reignited discussions about political accountability, public service, and the relationship between elected officials and the citizens they represent.
The memorial lecture, organised in honour of the late Rt. Hon. Justice Daniel Francis Annan, served as a platform for reflection on governance, constitutional democracy, and the responsibilities of public office holders in strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions.
By 1960news.com
