“If Parliament Keeps This Up, It May Invite Military Intervention” — Lawyer Victor Adawudu Warns After CJ Vetting Chaos
Private legal practitioner and member of the NDC Legal Team, Victor Adawudu- Photo credit Modern Ghana
Accra, Ghana –Private legal practitioner and member of the NDC Legal Team, Victor Adawudu, has issued a stark warning to Ghana’s political class, saying the persistent chaos, insults, and walkouts in Parliament could erode public trust in democracy and invite military intervention if not addressed.
Reacting to the heated confrontation between Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin during the vetting of Chief Justice nominee Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, Adawudu said the behavior of lawmakers is “becoming a blot on Ghana’s democratic image.”
“If this continues, it lays down the grounds for some military intervention,” Adawudu cautioned. “We saw the military enter the chamber during the Eighth Parliament, and we’ve seen near-fisticuffs again during this vetting. These are not good signs for a democracy.”
Adawudu explained that when citizens repeatedly witness lawmakers brawling, hurling insults, or ignoring parliamentary procedure, they begin to lose faith in civilian leadership creating space for authoritarian admiration.
“People are losing interest in the political elite,” he said. “Look at Burkina Faso and Niger people there are now hailing military rulers like Traoré because they feel their politicians failed them. When the public starts thinking that way, it’s dangerous for democracy.”
He warned that if Ghana’s legislators, especially senior figures, continue to display disorder and disrespect, they risk normalizing the very instability they denounce.
“If the top behaves that way, how do you advise the younger ones not to resort to mob justice?” he asked. “It’s not what you preach that people emulate it’s what you do.”
Despite the disorder, Adawudu praised Justice Baffoe-Bonnie for his calm demeanor and depth of understanding during the vetting session, describing him as “measured, insightful, and forward-looking.”
“He speaks slowly, but deeply. You can tell he knows the judiciary and the reforms needed,” Adawudu noted. “He’s not one for shouting or dramatics yet his answers showed real understanding and experience.”
He also commended the nominee for sharing a personal story of sacrifice, which he said offered a moral lesson for younger Ghanaians.
“He said he left his job to support his wife’s career that’s a lesson in humility and partnership,” Adawudu said. “It shows leadership isn’t only about personal ambition, but about lifting others.”
Adawudu pointed out that both the majority and minority leaders must operate within the rules and standing orders of Parliament, emphasizing that heated exchanges and personal attacks only weaken the institution.
“Your choice of language matters. You can make your point without invectives or shouting,” he advised. “People were watching, including our children. Even my own son asked, ‘Daddy, why are they arguing like this?’ That’s how society learns.”
He, however, maintained that walkouts remain a legitimate parliamentary tool, provided they are used responsibly.
“Walking out is a parliamentary right. I don’t have a problem with that,” he said. “But lawmakers must understand that their actions set examples for the whole nation.”
Concluding his remarks, Adawudu called on Parliament to “sit up” and restore its image as an august house worthy of respect.
“Parliament must look at itself critically,” he urged. “This kind of disorder is becoming a blot on its conscience. If we keep going down this path, the very democracy we cherish will be at risk.”
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