The upcoming primaries of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) could have significant ramifications for Ghana’s Parliament, according to the First Deputy Minority Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim.

With 18 incumbent NPP MPs choosing not to seek re-election, the loss of institutional memory and expertise poses a serious challenge. Comparing the NPP situation to the recent NDC primaries where 18 MPs were also ousted, Ahmed Ibrahim expressed concern about the trend of experienced lawmakers leaving Parliament.

Meanwhile, the NDC in their last Parliamentary Primaries saw some big wigs who also lost their seats. Some of the NDC MPs who lost their seats include Adams Mutawakilu of Damongo constituency, Edward Kaale Ewola Dery of Lambussie constituency, Abdul Rauf Tanko of Yagaba Kubori constituency, Sualihu Dandaawa Ahlassan of Karaga constituency, Mohammed Abdul Aziz of Mion constituency, Charles Binipom Bintin of Saboba constituency.

The rest are, Wahab Wumbei Suhuyini of Tolon constituency, Simon Acheampong Tampi of Tatale Sanguli constituency, Alhassan Umar of Zabzugu constituency, Mahama Shaibu of Daboya Mankarigu constituency, Mumuni Alhassan of Salaga North constituency.

Mr. Nehemiah Attigah, a leading Member of Odekro of Parliament speaking on Sompa Midday News admitted that the exit of these experienced Members of Parliament could affect Parliamentary duties after the general elections next year.

He indicated that, “It takes time to understand and adjust oneself to the jargons of Parliament i.e the Standing Orders and the rest. The new faces are to begin entirely the learning process to gaining experience. Experience play a major role in the Parliamentary proceeding and business so their exit would definitely affect the house.”

Mr Attigah, however, noted that the constituents are at liberty to change who represent them in Parliament.

Sompaonline.com/Asante-Yeboah Benedict