MPs are not machines – MPs' freedom to modify their minds is defended by Atta Akyea

Atta Akyea defends MPs' ability to change their minds, saying, "MPs are not robots." Samuel Atta Akyea, a lawmaker from Akim Abuakwa South, expressed his disapproval of the notion that MPs should be compelled to leave their seats merely for expressing future political ambitions.

In a contentious conversation on Joy News' PM Express on Tuesday, October 16, he stressed that MPs shouldn't be seen as "robots" incapable of developing second thoughts or determining their own political paths. Atta Akyea said this after lawmakers discussed a number of lawmakers who have declared their intention to run as independents in the 2024 parliamentary elections.

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The private attorney maintained that MPs should be allowed to freely communicate their future goals without it hurting their current standing and that such statements do not amount to crossing the political border.

“The issue here is that these MPs are addressing their future intentions. They’ve not said that as of now they want to abandon where they are for any other direction,” Atta Akyea explained, referencing the Second Deputy Speaker’s announcement of future plans.

“Should it affect my current status if I declare my intentions for the future? I’ve not said now I’m crossing to another party.”

Atta Akyea, it is important to make a clear distinction between present commitments and future aspirations.

What we are saying now is that they are not crossing the carpet yet. They are not saying that in this Parliament, they were sponsored by the NPP or came in as independents and now want to go to another party or stand as independents.

He vehemently disagreed with the idea that such future goals should have immediate repercussions, such MPs losing their seats, comparing it to treating MPs like mindless objects.

If not, then we are reducing the members of Parliament to robots. They can’t think, they can’t change their minds,” he warned. Atta Akyea also made the argument that it is irrational to make snap judgments on MPs based on potential future events because intentions might change. 

What if what they want to do, they change their minds about? Is Parliament going to declare on the thinking and feelings of MPs? That’s the problem I have,” he said, emphasizing the need for adaptability in politics and decision-making.

The perspective of Atta Akyea challenges the rigidity of certain interpretations of parliamentary conduct and upholds the idea that legislators ought to be free to consider, voice, and change their ideas without fear of severe repercussions.