I’m disappointed in 8th Parliament; we’ve achieved very little – Joe Wise

First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, has voiced his deep dissatisfaction with the performance and conduct of Ghana’s 8th Parliament. In a candid interview with Citi News, Osei-Owusu, commonly referred to as “Joe Wise,” expressed disappointment in the current session, criticizing its focus and productivity.

He lamented that instead of concentrating on its core function of lawmaking, the 8th Parliament has often been embroiled in unnecessary disputes. This has resulted in a significantly lower legislative output compared to previous parliamentary sessions. Osei-Owusu highlighted the insufficient number of laws passed, both major and minor, during this session, noting that the 8th Parliament has produced fewer laws than any prior Parliament.

He also expressed concern about the increasing tendency toward conflict and confrontation within the House, which has overshadowed opportunities for dialogue and compromise. According to him, matters that were once resolved through discussion now frequently lead to physical altercations, a situation he finds particularly disappointing.

In his remarks, Osei-Owusu stressed that the primary responsibility of Parliament is lawmaking, and the 8th Parliament has failed to meet this obligation. He urged members to refocus on their duties to better serve the nation.