Speaker of Parliament Raises Concerns: Shifting Allegiances Impacting Legislative Process
Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has voiced his concerns over the recent election of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the new flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP). Bagbin highlighted that this shift in allegiances has had a ripple effect on the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, who is now facing challenges in maintaining unity among NPP members. The Speaker expressed disappointment in the Majority Leader’s failure to ensure the presence of his party members during the ongoing 2024 budget debate, characterizing his performance as “limping.” Bagbin stressed the urgent need for cooperation between the Majority and Minority sides to prevent a detrimental impact on the legislative process.
Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin pointed out that the election of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the NPP’s new flagbearer has resulted in a shift in loyalties away from the incumbent, President Nana Akufo-Addo. This change, according to Bagbin, has led to some NPP MPs neglecting their responsibilities and treating President Akufo-Addo as a “lame duck” president. The Speaker expressed his concern over the impact of this shift on the functioning of the legislature and urged the Majority Leader to prioritize cooperation with the Minority side.
To address the challenges arising from the shifting allegiances, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin implored the Majority Leader to work closely with the Minority side. He emphasized that without this collaboration, the legislative process would suffer. Bagbin acknowledged the importance of support from the opposition in achieving the NPP’s goal of serving two consecutive terms and urged the Majority members to behave responsibly and cooperate rather than resorting to bullying tactics.
The Speaker assured the Majority Leader that sufficient time would be given for presenting their case but stressed the need for a united and collaborative approach for the benefit of the nation.
The concerns raised by Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin regarding shifting allegiances and their impact on the legislative process highlight the importance of political unity and cooperation. With the new flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, garnering support and loyalty, it is crucial for the governing party’s members to maintain focus and prioritize their responsibilities. The Speaker’s call for collaboration between the Majority and Minority sides serves as a reminder of the significance of working together to ensure effective governance. As Ghana moves forward, the ability to navigate these political shifts and prioritize the country’s interests will be key in achieving progress and development.
