Executive Director of the African Center for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Rasheed Draman, has asserted Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has suffered the same fate as his colleague from the Minority side, Haruna Iddrisu, who was dismissed as Minority leader.
Speaking in an interview, Dr Rasheed Draman criticised the manner in which Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, relinquished his post. He believes the MP was compelled to make the decision.
According to reports emanating from within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the Suame MP willingly offered to step down during a meeting of the NPP caucus in parliament and the executive, including President Akufo-Addo.
Dr Draman, however, believes otherwise and questioned whether such an approach was the best way to encourage individuals to dedicate themselves to public service.
While recognizing the party’s prerogative to select its leaders in Parliament, he emphasized that the governance of the country is a shared responsibility.
Additionally, he argued that given Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s long-standing commitment to public service by being the longest-serving Member of Parliament, it is problematic to have the Majority relieved from his post in such a manner.
“I don’t think the end should be a push,” he said.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu officially resigned from his position as the leader of the majority caucus in Parliament on Wednesday evening. This decision comes amidst swirling rumors suggesting his potential ousting to facilitate the ascension of his Deputy, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to the leadership role.
Speculation had been rife in political circles regarding the future leadership of the majority caucus, with reports indicating a possible transition from Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu to Afenyo-Markin. The rumors gained traction as internal discussions within the caucus intensified in recent weeks.
The recent announcement has sparked widespread speculation and debate within political circles.
Many observers and commentators have posited that his decision may have been influenced by his new role as the Chairman of the Manifesto Committee for the NPP’s 2024 election campaign.
However, Dr Draman raised doubts about this rationale, highlighting that there are other Members of Parliament who concurrently hold ministerial positions and effectively manage their dual responsibilities.
“So really, we are just seeing a replay of the situation that we saw with the NDC, and Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu has now joined his friend Haruna Iddrisu in suffering the same fate,” he said on Wednesday.
Dr Draman expressed his belief that, regardless of whether the resignation was negotiated or not, a better approach could have been taken to avoid the evident discord surrounding the departure of Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.