The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, has called on the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, to foster cooperation with the Minority side to prevent parliamentary stalemates.
During today's parliamentary session, Mr Bagbin pointed out the absence of Majority members during the ongoing 2024 budget debate, stating it as evidence of the Majority Leader “limping” in his role.
The Speaker highlighted the shifting loyalties within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) following its presidential primaries, where support is transitioning from President Akufo-Addo to the party's flagbearer, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. He attributed the absence of MPs to their shift from the “lame duck” Akufo-Addo administration.
Addressing the Majority side, Mr Bagbin emphasized the need to build bridges and seek consensus with the opposition to ensure the smooth progress of government business.
“I expect the majority who have a limping majority leader, limping because when you look at his back you're less than those in front of you. You have a lame duck president, a lame duck because you have elected a flagbearer and loyalty and commitment are shifting. So your president is now a lame duck president,” said Mr Bagbin.
He further stressed the importance of cooperation at this critical juncture, stating, “You need this side of the house to support you to finish your eight years. And so if you don't behave well, we have a difficulty in proceeding as a nation.”
Assuring the NPP MPs, Mr. Bagbin pledged not to allow the NDC MPs to bully them in the house despite their lower numbers, stating, “Please, I expect you to cooperate; I will not allow them to bully you. You'll get sufficient time to put across your case.”
