MPs who betray trust of constituents must step aside – Cletus Avoka

The Zebila lawmaker, Cletus Avoka, argued that any MP who betrays the trust of their constituents by defecting from the political party that brought them to power must step aside.

Speaking on the constitutional implications of MPs switching political allegiance on Joy News’ PM Express on October 15, he stated that such actions break the “sacred agreement” between MPs and the people they represent.

“For practical reasons, once you have abandoned the party that sponsored you, you have betrayed the trust that the people placed in you,” Mr Avoka said.

Drawing from his experience as a member of the defunct 1992 Constitutional Assembly, he argued that the sovereignty of the people is central to Ghana’s Constitution and that any action that undermines this sovereignty should not be tolerated.

He explained that during elections, there is an implicit contract between the MP, their party, and the voters.

“They [MPs] were elected by the people under the banner of a specific party. When you file with the Electoral Commission and say you are no longer with that party, you have automatically abandoned the mandate given to you by your constituents,” he stressed.

Cletus Avoka made specific reference to the recent cases of MPs who, mere months before the 2024 general elections, filed to contest as either independent candidates or on different political platforms.

“They have abandoned their parties, betrayed them, and are charting new courses. From the moment they filed those nominations, they ceased to be members of their respective parties,” Avoka explained.

He added that this breach of trust means the MPs can no longer effectively represent their constituents in Parliament, as their loyalty now lies elsewhere.

“If the party is going to strategise for the next elections, would they call on these people who have betrayed them? Of course not.”

Mr Avoka called for a strict application of the law, insisting that the Constitution provides clear guidance on what happens when an MP crosses the floor.

He pointed out that once an MP abandons their party and files for a different ticket, they effectively cross-carpet and should vacate their seat.