Economic Decline Claims Lives, Not Just Livelihoods — Bagbin Warns Parliament
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has cautioned Members of Parliament against politicising Ghana’s economic and healthcare challenges, warning that economic decline has serious and sometimes irreversible human consequences.
His comments were made on the floor of Parliament in response to a statement by the Member of Parliament for Offinso North, Fred Kyei Asamoah, who addressed the reported death of Charles Amissah, a hit and run victim said to have been denied treatment at three major hospitals before his passing.
In his submission, Asamoah argued that no circumstance should justify the loss of life and referenced a past remark by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, suggesting that while economies can be restored, lost lives cannot.
Speaker Bagbin, however, urged lawmakers to avoid partisan comparisons or revisiting previous administrations in the debate. He maintained that no government in Ghana’s history has presided over a flawless emergency response system, including the administration cited in the discussion.
According to him, attempts to score political points detract from the seriousness of the matter. He stressed that economic stability and public welfare are closely linked, arguing that economic collapse can result in significant loss of life.
Bagbin warned that the human cost of economic downturns is often permanent, noting that lives lost during periods of instability cannot be recovered. He therefore called on legislators to focus on addressing current challenges rather than engaging in political exchanges.
He concluded by appealing for responsibility and unity in confronting the country’s pressing issues, emphasising the need for practical solutions over partisan debate.
