8th Parliament outperformed previous assemblies despite challenges—Prof. Abotsi

Prof. Kofi Abotsi, Dean of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Law School, has highlighted the significant performance of the 8th Parliament, asserting that it surpassed many past parliaments.

Speaking in an interview, he reflected on the expectations surrounding the 9th Parliament while praising the work of the outgoing 8th Parliament.

Prof. Abotsi acknowledged that while the close margin between the two major political parties in Parliament created a sense of uncertainty, it was not expected to lead to a dramatic shift in operations.

He emphasised that institutional cultures evolve gradually, and the entrenched practices of Parliament were unlikely to change overnight.

“I wasn’t expecting a dramatic shift in the way Parliament has always operated,” he stated.

“The only reason I knew we were going to experience something interesting was because of the close numbers. But in terms of real change, institutions do not transform overnight.”

Reflecting on the 8th Parliament’s performance, Prof. Abotsi noted some notable events that shaped its tenure, including dramatic moments and challenges.

Despite these, he commended the Speaker of Parliament for his strong leadership and commitment to upholding constitutional duties.

“In many ways, the Speaker made the difference. He was assertive in interpreting the rules, stood firm against conflicts with the government and judiciary, and provided strong leadership throughout,” Prof. Abotsi added.

The professor concluded that, despite the controversies and chaos that marked its final days, the 8th Parliament performed better than many of its predecessors, especially in asserting its autonomy and pushing for meaningful dialogue on key national issues.