Member of Parliament for Bekwai, Joe Osei-Owusu is of the view that John Dramani Mahama’s statement announcing his endorsement of Alban Bagbin suggests that Parliament is an appendix of the executive.
A statement from the President-elect, John Dramani Mahama and signed by Felix Ofosu Kwakye, who is the spokesperson for John Dramani Mahama’s transition team, on January 5, 2025, said the president had mandated his Members of Parliament to nominate Alban Bagbin for the speakership position.
The statement indicated that the president-elect is of the view that Bagbin’s wealth of experience will help in strengthening parliament.
Read Also: Mahama nominates Alban Bagbin as Speaker of the 9th Parliament
But speaking to Joy News’ The Probe with Emefa Apewu, Joe Osei-Owusu indicated that the letter suggests Parliament is an appendix of the executive.
He explained that it gives the wrong impression that Parliament is not an independent arm of government.
“If you read the statement put out by Felix Ofosu Kwakye it suggests that Parliament is an appendix of the executive. The President in consultation with suggest that it is the president who is taking the decision.
Parliament is an arm of government, the president may influence who leads parliament but you should not make it appear as if it is the president who is deciding and he is consulting with others. I think that communication was inappropriate.
It shouldn’t be presented as if it is the president who is choosing the speaker and he is consulting other people, no. Eventually, it is parliament that will endorse whoever is nominated but we should leave the president out of the nomination because it gives the wrong impression about parliament as an independent arm of government,” he explained on Joy News.
Meanwhile, Bagbin in a statement shared via the official social media handles of Parliament thanked John Dramani Mahama, NDC leadership for endorsing his second term as Speaker.
