‘MPs Aren’t Robots’ – Atta Akyea Advocates for MPs’ Right to Reconsider Their Decisions
‘MPs Aren’t Robots’ – Atta Akyea Advocates for MPs’ Right to Reconsider Their Decisions
- He argued that MPs should not be viewed as “robots”
- His perspective calls attention to broader issues of parliamentary autonomy
- He should not lead to punitive measures like losing their seats
Akim Abuakwa South MP Samuel Atta Akyea has expressed his strong opposition to the notion that Members of Parliament (MPs) should be compelled to resign simply for announcing future political ambitions.
In a passionate discussion, he argued that MPs should not be viewed as “robots” lacking the ability to reconsider their political paths.
His comments came in response to debates in Parliament regarding certain MPs who have declared intentions to run as independent candidates in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Atta Akyea, a private legal practitioner, asserted that expressing future intentions does not equate to abandoning their current roles. “These MPs are merely stating their future plans; they have not indicated any intention to leave their current positions,” he explained, referring to the Second Deputy Speaker’s announcement of future intentions.
He questioned whether declaring future intentions should impact their current status, emphasizing that it should not lead to punitive measures like losing their seats. “They are not crossing over to another party or resigning from their current commitments,” he added.
Atta Akyea stressed the importance of distinguishing between present commitments and future aspirations. “We need to clarify that they are not abandoning their current roles; they are simply sharing their thoughts on what they might do in the future,” he said.
He firmly rejected the idea that future intentions should have immediate consequences, warning against reducing MPs to unthinking entities. “If we proceed with that mindset, we are treating Parliament members like robots—unable to think or change their minds,” he cautioned.
Moreover, he highlighted that intentions can evolve, arguing that it is unreasonable to judge MPs based on hypothetical future actions. “What if their plans change? Is Parliament going to dictate the thoughts and feelings of its members? That’s the real issue,” he stated, advocating for flexibility in political decision-making.
Atta Akyea’s perspective calls attention to broader issues of parliamentary autonomy and freedom of expression, challenging rigid interpretations of parliamentary conduct and advocating for MPs’ right to express intentions without fear of repercussion.
