Former Majority Leader Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu has condemned former President John Mahama’s public call for Parliament to retain Alban Bagbin as Speaker of Parliament.
Speaking on Oyerepa Breakfast Time with Kwesi Parker Wilson, Kyei Mensah-Bonsu described Mahama’s move as “unnecessary and dangerous” for Ghana’s democracy.
“Every president needs a Speaker who would not obstruct his administration to ensure smooth governance. Naturally, every leader may have an interest in who becomes Speaker, but such discussions are typically held behind closed doors,” he explained.
According to the veteran lawmaker, Mahama’s decision to openly advocate for Bagbin’s retention politicizes the role of the Speaker and undermines parliamentary independence.
“Where John Mahama went wrong was when he formalized it. There are three arms of government and the moment you do that, it means you want to put parliament in your armpit and that’s very bad, very dangerous for our democracy,” he added.
Kyei Mensah-Bonsu emphasized that Parliament must remain independent and not be placed under the influence of the Executive. He warned that any attempt to impose a Speaker would erode the democratic principles Ghana has upheld since the Fourth Republic.
His remarks come after Mahama publicly urged parliamentarians, specifically NDC MPs to maintain Alban Bagbin as Speaker after he (Mahama) was sworn in as President of Ghana.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com/ Joseph Marfo
