Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu Opposes Mahama’s Nomination of Bagbin as Speaker
Outgoing Suame MP Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has voiced opposition to President-elect John Dramani Mahama’s nomination of Alban Bagbin as Speaker for Ghana’s Ninth Parliament. Speaking in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb on January 5, 2025, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu argued that the decision violates constitutional provisions by undermining the authority of incoming Members of Parliament.
“The Constitution provides that the Speaker is chosen by Members of Parliament themselves,” the former Majority Leader emphasized, noting that the presidency’s role should be limited to expressing comfort with a candidate, not issuing directives. He maintained that parliamentary leadership decisions must involve both Majority and Minority caucuses, as Parliament represents all sides of the house.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu further explained that nominating and electing a Speaker is the sole prerogative of Parliament and should not rest solely with one political caucus or the executive branch. He criticized Mahama’s directive as a misstep, advising the presidency to refrain from formal involvement in legislative matters.
President-elect Mahama’s nomination of Bagbin followed consultations and mutual agreements within the National Democratic Congress (NDC). However, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu insisted that such a decision should only be made through parliamentary processes, independent of external influence.
As the Ninth Parliament prepares for its inauguration, the debate over Bagbin’s nomination underscores tensions between Ghana’s legislative and executive branches, sparking discussions on constitutional adherence and parliamentary autonomy.