I don’t have any regret for “parallel government” comment, says Inusah Fuseini

Inusah Fuseini, the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, says he does not regret his comment that called on John Mahama, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to form a parallel government after the Electoral Commission declared President Akufo-Addo the winner of the 7 December polls.

According to Fuseini, Mahama won the election hands down and so must declare himself the president and form a parallel government.

“I have said and I have advocated that he declares himself president and forms a parallel government. The impunity of this government which is legendary must stop and that’s how we stop it,” he said.

But many Ghanaians have called on the former roads and highways minister to retract and apologise for the comment.

“How is my comment irresponsible? I don’t have any regret for that comment. There is no hindsight in this matter,” Fuseini said in an interview with Beatrice Adu on the Big Bulletin on Asaase Radio.

Listen to Inusah Fuseini.

Precedent

Fuseini said he is not the originator of the idea of forming a parallel government in Ghana, adding, “This idea was mooted by Appiah Akenten in 1992 when the NPP boycotted the election in 1992 … In fact, the idea came to me after I read his book.

“I’m saying that my comment is not original in nature: Appiah Akenten made those comments. If you call for a parallel government action, should be taken on that call. [But] I don’t think NDC will take an action on my call.”

Asked what he meant by a parallel government, Fuseini said: “What I mean by parallel government, I mean exactly what Appiah Akenten meant when he planned to set up a government-in-exile in Ivory Coast.”

Of whether he is aware that his comment could be interpreted as usurping the legal authority of the sitting government, he said: “Well, that is the view that I hold. And that view could not by any stretch of imagination plunge this country into chaos.

“No, it cannot, and it is not every advice that is taken. I’m not saying that the NDC has taken that advice. I’m not saying that the NDC would act on my advice, but that’s my opinion,” Fuseini said.

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