Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the outgoing majority leader of Ghana’s Parliament and leader of government business, has called on the incoming John Dramani Mahama led National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to retain current Speaker of the House, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin or look inward the legislature for his replacement.
According to him, Mr Bagbin who has been an insider for a very long time has given a valuable institutional empowerment to the legislative arm hence the need for his retention or replacement with somebody who is an insider.
The Effutu lawmaker noted that Speaker Bagbin has been very excellent over the past four years and deserves to continue but if the NDC decides otherwise, it should be “someone who will understand us.”, Afenyo-markin said.
“Mr Speaker, the institutional empowerment you have given to Parliament is unmatched, and it is likely because we have you as speaker coming from within. Mr Speaker, I don’t know whether you will be retained or if a new person will be appointed… If they decide to maintain you, I know parliament will continue to benefit. But should they decide to retire you, which I know they can do, if they choose to bring in a new Speaker, that person should come from within. We don’t want an outsider,” he said during the House’s first sitting after the long break caused by the vacant seat impasse.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament Monday December 16, 2024 as the House reconvenes after the December 7 general elections for the last Meeting of the last Session of the 8th Parliament, the leader commended Mr Bagbin for his stellar leadership over the last four years especially with regards the welfare of MPs.
“Mr Speaker, let me commend you for the four years of your leadership in this House. We may have had our disagreements, but it is clear that the welfare of members has been key to your leadership. Nobody can take that away from you.”
The House is expected to consider some outstanding businesses, notably, the expenditure in advance of the 2025 budget before its official dessolution of the 8th parliament on 6th January, 2025 for the inauguration of the 9th parliament.
Sittings are being conducted at the Accra International Conference Centre as renovation works in the main chamber is still ongoing.
By: Christian Kpesese
